Prevention of carcinogenesis in familial tumors
Ishikawa, H.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 32(7): 973-976
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 16044958 Document Number: 589859
This report reviews the state of the art of cancer prevention of familial colorectal cancer (familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer). A large number of clinical trials have been performed using sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Sulindac reduces the size and number of large bowel polyps. However, as yet, it cannot be used for this indication in the clinical setting, because of the frequent occurrence of serious gastrointestinal side effects, and there are a number of cases in which aggressive tumors developed despite a reduction in the size of polyps. Studies on COX-2 selective inhibitors, with minimal side effects on the digestive tract, are showing promising results. In addition to NSAIDs, clinical trials have been performed using vitamins and dietary components. These show minimal side effects, but their efficacy is still insufficient for clinical use, and further studies are anticipated.