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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Feb 6, 2014; 5(1): 40-49
Published online Feb 6, 2014. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v5.i1.40
Aspirin, cyclooxygenase inhibition and colorectal cancer
Carlos Sostres, Carla Jerusalen Gargallo, Angel Lanas
Carlos Sostres, Carla Jerusalen Gargallo, Angel Lanas, Department of Digestive Diseases, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Carlos Sostres, Carla Jerusalen Gargallo, Angel Lanas, Aragon Health Sciences Institute, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Angel Lanas, Centro de Investigación Biológica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticasy Digestivas, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Angel Lanas, Department of Gastroenterology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Author contributions: All the authors contributed equally to the design, drafting and reviewing process of this paper.
Supported by Funds from FIS (P108/1301); Dr. Lanas A has received speaking and consultancy fees from AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Bayer
Correspondence to: Angel Lanas, MD, DSc, Clinical Chief, Professor, Department of Digestive Diseases, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, c/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain. alanas@unizar.es
Telephone: +34-976-765786 Fax: +34-976-765787
Received: July 30, 2013
Revised: November 13, 2013
Accepted: December 9, 2013
Published online: February 6, 2014
Processing time: 181 Days and 21.4 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, CRC screening programs are not widely available and need to be improved. New prevention strategies are therefore necessary. Daily low-dose aspirin, as given for the prevention of cardiovascular disease events, has demonstrated benefits in clinical and basic studies in terms of preventing adenoma recurrence and decreasing the incidence of CRC and attributable mortality. These findings indicate that the antiplatelet action of aspirin plays a central role in its antitumor effect. Cyclooxygenase-dependent and independent mechanisms have been suggested to explain this effect. Extensive translational medical research is mandatory for future progress in CRC prevention.