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In New Experiments, Vaccine Cures Prostate Cancer in Mice September 30, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : cancer, Immunity, medicine, melanoma, men, Prostate, Prostate, public health, research, Uncategorized , add a comment

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and various universities and cancer centers in England have identified a technique which may be highly effective in terms of cancer prevention and treatment.  They have determined that effective cancer immunotherapy requires the release of a broad spectrum of tumor antigens in the context of potent immune activation. This approach is as opposed to the traditional model of creating a vaccine for one specific antigen (virus, bacteria, etc.).  This is significant because cancers, in this case prostate cancer, have a wide array of antigenic presentations, making the creation of a one size fits all vaccine difficult.

This new approach uses DNA from healthy cells so that the broadest possible array of antigenic responses might be possible.  With this approach they were able to create a vaccine which cured 80% of mice.  It is believed that this principle would be applicable to other cancers.  They have now begun studies on melanoma.

Essentially, the researchers broke up chunks of DNA from healthy prostate cells and inserted them into a virus. Mice were then repeatedly infected with the virus. The prostate DNA which had been incorporated into the virus caused the virus to produce a wide range of prostate antigens, so when the immune system battled the virus it learned to attack the cancerous prostate cells. This virus was genetically engineered to contain a “library” of DNA including multiple fragments of genes — and therefore many possible antigens. Of great importance was the finding that healthy prostate cells and other parts of the body were not affected. A course of nine injections with the virus cured 80% of mice with prostate tumors in this study.  Researchers commented that human trials were likely years away. The technique did not send the immune system into overdrive. Instead, the range of DNA meant the vaccine was able to target the tumor through many routes.

The study reported no side effects, and none of the mice developed autoimmune diseases, which had been reported in previous cancer vaccine trials.

Broad antigenic coverage induced by vaccination with virus-based cDNA libraries cures established tumors - http://is.gd/gEvzLR

Vaccine hope for prostate cancer sufferers – http://is.gd/Pd9D8e

Scientists develop new approach for cancer vaccine – http://is.gd/cTPpjg

Experimental Vaccine Seems to Cure Prostate Cancer in Mice – Researchers hope to test vaccine in people within five years - http://is.gd/SFI0Ow

Danger! Hospital Privacy Curtains Germ Filled! September 26, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : Complications, Environment, Infection, medicine, public health , 1 comment so far

Dr. Michael Ohl, from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, in a presentation at the 51st Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Chicago, identified privacy curtains, which are in use in almost every medical and surgical facility, as a significant source of germ contamination.  This fact adds to the growing list of concerns about bacterial contamination of everyday items used in hospitals.  This includes the famous white doctor’s coat, neck ties and of course, unwashed hands.

Privacy curtains, which generally separate patients in wards, emergency rooms and semi-private hospital rooms, have rarely been given much thought.  Most likely they are rarely laundered or often replaced. Thus, it is not  surprising that they should be found to be laden with germs.  This finding should prompt all facilities to move to a regular laundry schedule for these items, particularly since the findings of this study indicated that contamination of new curtains occurs within one to two weeks.

Additionally, all new facilities should be planned with a mind to private exam, observation and patient rooms to limit cross contamination from sick or infected patients.  Because these curtains are so frequently touched by doctors, nurses, patients and visitors they are an easy target for bacteria.  This study should refocus our attention on prevention of infection in all settings, but especially in the hospital setting.

Hospital privacy curtains laden with germs - http://is.gd/C8h7N8

Hospital privacy curtains laden with germs – http://is.gd/YuVuep

Fatherhood Decreases Testosterone Levels September 13, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : children, Male Fertility, men, pregnancy, public health, Sexuality , add a comment

A recent study seems to confirm findings in earlier studies on other species that the level of the male sex hormone, testosterone, falls after a man assumes the role of father.  Fatherhood, and its associated need for commitment and care giving, seems to be connected biologically to a drop in testosterone levels.  This correlates with findings of increased testosterone levels in mating animals (those where fathers have a role in care giving and raising  young) and suggests that this is a biologic check on the urge for males to wander after fathering a child in humans.

It would seem clear then, that nature and evolution have favored survival where fathers are present and active in raising their young.  Thus, it is not surprising that biologic systems would have evolved in an effort to “aid” males in maintaining that commitment. To be sure, we know that in modern society there are many factors beyond biology which impact the way in which fathers carry out parental duties.  We also know that it is not uncommon, sadly, that many abandon those duties. This would in fact seem to go against what appears to be an unwritten natural law, now confirmed by scientific findings.

The study appears in the Proceedings of that National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.  An excerpt from the abstract reads as follows:   “In species in which males care for young, testosterone (T) is often high during mating periods but then declines to allow for care giving of resulting offspring. This model may apply to human males, but past human studies of T and fatherhood have been cross-sectional, making it unclear whether fatherhood suppresses T or if men with lower T are more likely to become fathers … these findings show that T and reproductive strategy have bidirectional relationships in human males, with high T predicting subsequent mating success but then declining rapidly after men become fathers. Our findings suggest that T mediates tradeoffs between mating and parenting in humans, as seen in other species in which fathers care for young. They also highlight one likely explanation for previously observed health disparities between partnered fathers and single men.”

Longitudinal evidence that fatherhood decreases testosterone in human males - http://is.gd/WTjLue

In Study, Fatherhood Leads to Drop in Testosterone – http://is.gd/S7bIUk

Exercise Reduces Progression of Prostate Cancer August 15, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : cancer, men, Prostate, Prostate, research , add a comment

A recent study published in the journal Cancer Research indicates that physical exercise is beneficial to men in terms of delaying, reducing, or slowing the progression of their prostate cancer.  The researchers, from the University of California at San Francisco examined records on over 1,400 men to analyze the effect of exercise on disease progression.

They found that those men who engaged in brink walking for at least three hours per week or greater showed a 57% lower rate of progression than men who walked at an easy pace for fewer hours.  Also, they found that walking briskly as opposed to a slower pace was in itself, independent of the duration of walking, associated with a lower rate of progression.

These findings are specific for prostate cancer progression and independent of any other beneficial effects of exercise and physical activity on cardiovascular health or general health and well being.

Physical Activity after Diagnosis and Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression: Data from the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor - http://is.gd/z2AEVy

Sperm Counts Not Declining According To New Study August 14, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : Environment, Male Fertility, men, pregnancy, public health, research , add a comment

For over 20 years or longer, researchers and clinicians have had concerns over supposed falling sperm counts among males worldwide.  Most of this worry was based on studies published in the early 1990′s based on retrospective data from earlier decades.  The implications of this were alarming, in that, followed to conclusion, widespread male infertility and sub-fertility could lead to depopulation and even human species extinction over time.

There were many theories offered for these findings, most related to environmental issues, such as pesticide use.  However, a new study from Denmark, which followed men for some 15  years suggests that there has been no substantive change in sperm counts in males over that time frame.  This data would suggest that if anything, earlier data may not only have been wrong, but that researchers postulated conclusions that were alarming based not on real data, but speculative extrapolation of the data they had available.

While the new study is good news on the whole, it by no means definitively answers the question of male fertility rates or changes.  Nor does this study conclusively eliminate environmental factors from a role in effecting sperm counts and male fertility.  Indeed, female fertility is also an issue and the myriad of factors that can affect selective couple fertility are such that specific studies regarding this are difficult and of limited scope.  Longitudinal studies, such as the new Danish study, following individuals in real time, is perhaps the best way, over time, to extract meaningful epidemiological data on events occurring in humans.

In Update on Sperm, Data Show No Decline - http://is.gd/URx2P7

Editorial: On Sperm Counts and Data Responsibility – http://is.gd/NP6PY9

Commentary: Trends in Sperm Counts: The Saga Continues – http://is.gd/xlOTqP

Commentary: Sperm Counts, Data Responsibility, and Good Scientific Practice – http://is.gd/LS33Ve

Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during past 50 years – http://is.gd/NDA7zg

FDA Issues New Warnings on Use of Mesh in Pelvic Surgery July 15, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : Complications, Devices, guidelines, Minimally Invasive Therapies, Sexuality, women , add a comment

FDA Comments on Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The FDA has just issued updated warnings related to the use of artificial mesh in pelvic reconstructive surgery.  The majority of these surgeries are performed in women for urinary incontinence and varying degrees of pelvic prolapse.   This follows a previous warning in 2008 from the FDA concerning the use of mesh in treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

At that time the FDA was raising awareness regarding the potential for complications. This newest warning is far broader, indicating that complications are in fact, not rare.  The FDA specifically outlined several points of concern.

These concerns come on the heels of some 20 years of research and efforts to find materials that will last in support of these types of repairs.  It should be noted that many leading pelvic surgeons have in the past, preferred to use native patient tissues (anterior vaginal wall, abdominal fascia, etc.) in an effort to avoid the types of complications that have been seen with the use of mesh.  These complications of pain, erosion, infection, extrusion and shrinkage are now coming to the fore as real concerns.  ‘

While the use of mesh will no doubt continue, as will research to find newer and betters materials, it should be noted that more traditional approaches offer, overall, comparable benefits without the additional risks.

  1. FDA Safety Communication: UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse – http://is.gd/T1MKuH
  2. FDA warns against surgical mesh to repair pelvic problems – http://is.gd/WMLFHy
  3. Urinary Incontinence in Women – http://is.gd/Z8XguT
  4. Pelvic Floor Disorders Affect Almost a Quarter of U.S. Women - http://is.gd/VAMtvx

Testosterone May Be OK in Men With Prostate Cancer April 26, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : cancer, HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), men, Prostate, Prostate, research, Sexuality, Uncategorized , add a comment

A new study sheds light on a long-held controversy: should men with prostate cancer avoid testosterone?  It has been dogma for some 70+ years that supplemental testosterone was contraindicated in men with prostate cancer. This was particularly true in those who selected watchful waiting or observation as a treatment choice.  New data, recently published in the Journal of Urology suggests otherwise and opens up for debate these long-held assumptions.  This is particularly true in this modern era when hormone levels can be easily and precisely tested along with other bio-markers such as PSA.

The authors of the article comment in their summary: A history of prostate cancer has been a longstanding contraindication to the use of testosterone therapy due to the belief that higher serum testosterone causes more rapid prostate cancer growth. Recent evidence has called this paradigm into question. In this study we investigate the effect of testosterone therapy in men with untreated prostate cancer.  Testosterone therapy in men with untreated prostate cancer was not associated with prostate cancer progression in the short to medium term. These results are consistent with the saturation model, ie maximal prostate cancer growth is achieved at low androgen concentrations. The longstanding prohibition against testosterone therapy in men with untreated or low risk prostate cancer or treated prostate cancer without evidence of metastatic or recurrent disease merits reevaluation. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Untreated Prostate Cancer – http://is.gd/kVmDvy

The New York Times reported on the story as well commenting: Doctors have long held that men with prostate cancer should not be given testosterone because the hormone might fuel tumor growth. But a small study adds to evidence that the fear may be overblown, at least in patients without evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease. The authors acknowledge that the study, published in the April issue The Journal of Urology, was small and retrospective. Still, it is the first to use biopsies to monitor the effects of testosterone in men with untreated, localized prostate cancer. The lead author, Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, an associate clinical professor of surgery at Harvard, said that the findings of this and other recent studies suggest that the risks of testosterone therapy may have been exaggerated. Prognosis: Testosterone and Prostate Cancer – http://is.gd/tLbomm

Med Page Today weighed in with these observations: Men with low-risk prostate cancer and symptomatic hypogonadism had no evidence of cancer progression during long-term testosterone therapy, results of a small clinical trial showed.  Neither the mean PSA level nor prostate volume changed significantly during testosterone treatment that continued for as long as eight years, according to Abraham Morgentaler, MD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and colleagues. The findings support the saturation hypothesis, which postulates that maximal prostate cancer growth occurs with low-level androgen stimulation, and higher levels elicit little or no additional growth, the researchers wrote in the April issue of the Journal of Urology.  “There has been a scare about testosterone for about 70 years that somehow it is a fuel for the fire in prostate cancer,” Morgentaler said in an interview. “It’s clear that’s not the case. “This study, although it’s small, is the first time anyone has ever bothered to give testosterone and see what’s happening in a prostate that has cancer.” Testosterone therapy has several beneficial effects in men with testosterone deficiency, including improvement in fatigue, libido, and sexual function. However, concern about potential stimulatory effects on prostate cancer has limited use of the hormonal therapy, Morgentaler and co-authors noted in the introduction to their findings. The concern has its origin in observations that androgen deprivation slows prostate cancer progression, as reflected in decreased serum PSA, and that normalization of testosterone in androgen-deprived men raises PSA levels. Revisiting Testosterone Tx in Prostate Ca – http://is.gd/pLVWaK

REFERENCES

Testosterone Therapy in Men With Untreated Prostate Cancer – http://is.gd/kVmDvy

Prognosis: Testosterone and Prostate Cancer – http://is.gd/tLbomm

Revisiting Testosterone Tx in Prostate Ca – http://is.gd/pLVWaK

Suicidal Ideation Raises Concern Among American Surgeons January 22, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : Anxiety and Stress, depression, Medical Education, medicine, public health, research , add a comment

A recent study has raised great concern about the rate of suicidal thought among practicing surgeons in the United States.  Suicide is a higher cause of mortality for physicians in general compared with other professions as well as the general public.  It would appear that a combination of general work related stress, job burnout, depression and pressures brought about by medical or surgical errors takes it toll.  The constant threat of litigation over imagined or real malpractice seems to be a major issue, particularly among surgeons for whom the risk of such actions is the greatest.  It also appears that surgeons are less likely to seek professional help for their depression than the general public and that the rate of suicidal thought is significantly higher among surgeons than the general public.

One in 16 surgeons reported suicidal ideation in the preceding year according to data reported in the Archives of Surgery.  The study was based on a questionnaire sent to members of the American College of Surgeons.  Nearly 8,000 surgeons responded. Among surgeons 45 and older, the rate was 1.5 to 3 times higher than the general US population.  Persons who are highly educated, employed and married have lower rates of suicidal thoughts.  This makes these findings more startling as surgeons in the study were mostly married (88%), clearly highly educated, and essentially fully employed.   Also of interest was the finding that suicidal thoughts were higher in surgeons in the 45-54 age group than in younger individuals, the exact reverse of the usual findings in the general population where 45-54 year olds have lower rates of suicidal ideation than  younger persons. Historically, the suicide risk rate among physicians has been reported as higher in female physicians, but the results of this study found no differences between the sexes in the risk of suicidal thought. Depression has long been associated with suicidal thoughts and actions.  However, burn out has only recently begun to be recognized as a major factor leading to depression, suicidal thought and action.  Previous studies in medical students had demonstrated the impact of burnout as well.

It is of concern that highly trained physicians and surgeons would not seek mental health services to deal with burnout, depression and suicidal thought. The most common reason given for this is that there appears to be great concern about licensing and loss of one’s professional career.  Licensing boards are generally focused on physician impairment as opposed to physician illness and treatment, so that the fact of a diagnosis of depression would generally not be sufficient to warrant any action in most cases, especially if treatment is ongoing.  Still, many physicians, surgeons in particular, have great distrust of medical licensing boards as well as other professional monitoring organizations. This may well stem from the very nature of surgical training, practice and art, where a surgeon is solely responsible for his/her actions in the operative theater, as well as the outcome, be it positive or negative.

Health reform actions at the federal and state level will no doubt only add to the burden as more and more persons are brought into the mainstream of the medical care system.  Additionally, the rapidly expanding ranks of the elderly, due to the aging of the baby boomers is having an impact on the numbers of patients needing treatment and surgical interventions. All of this is occurring amidst an environment where medical school enrollments and residency training slots have not expanded rapidly enough to keep pace with demand.  Of particular concern is the effect of burnout in pushing experienced surgeons 50 and over  into early retirement or reduced work load situations.  Another factor in play is the hostile reimbursement environment which forces physicians to deal with a plethora of varying rules across a spectrum of thousands of health insurance plans.  This is in addition to the intense pressures on payment implemented at the federal level though Medicare and at the state level though Medicaid.

All in all, a very worrisome picture is painted by this study.  We can only hope that bringing this data to light will encourage surgeons who may be facing some of these issues to seek help just as any patient would – and as they would advise their own patients to do.  We need all the experienced physicians and surgeons we can get, and we need them to be healthy in body and mind . . . ben kazie md

Special Report, Suicidal Ideation Among American Surgeons (Arch Surg. 2011;146(1):54-62) – http://is.gd/AuHfmN

Burnout and Suicidal Ideation among U.S. Medical Students – http://is.gd/D65rfQ

Study: Errors lead surgeons to contemplate suicide – http://is.gd/AFwvuB

Surgeons and suicide: a study in burnout – http://is.gd/An4jvV

Depression, Burnout Make Surgeons Mull Suicide -http://is.gd/AdweCa

American Surgeons Consider Suicide More We May Realize – http://www.realhealthreformonline.com/2011/01/22/american-surgeons-consider-suicide-more-we-may-realize/

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Colonoscopy Even More Beneficial * January 18, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : cancer, colon, guidelines, medicine, Minimally Invasive Therapies, public health , 2comments

New Study Confirms Colonoscopy Reduces Colon Cancer Deaths from Both Left Sided Lesions AND Right Sided Lesions

It has been widely noted that colonoscopy is a test that can help prevent colon cancer.  Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a physician uses a long, slender telescopic tube to visually examine the entire lining of the colon and through which biopsies can be done if needed. 1,2,3

Colonoscopy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer by early detection, as well as allowing for a physician to remove pre-cancerous polyps, which typically may take up to 10 years from initial appearance to develop into a cancer. Polyps, which are small growths in the lining of the colon, occur in about 25% of men and 15% of women over the age of 50.  Currently, in the United States, colonoscopy is recommended beginning at age 50 for persons at average risk and earlier if patients are at higher risk due to family history or other diseases of the colon (previous polyp, previous colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease). 1,2,3,4

In 2008 there were approximately 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed and nearly 50,000 deaths.  Almost three-quarters of these cancers arise in the colon with the remainder occurring in the rectum. 5

A physician performs colonoscopy.  In most cases the physician is a gastroenterologist (also called a GI specialist).  The procedure is performed in an outpatient center or hospital under light to moderate sedation.  Patients can almost always go home the same day.  Perhaps the most annoying aspect of the procedure is the prep required the day before, which involves using one of a variety of laxative type products to cleanse the colon so that an adequate visualization may be made. 1,2,3,4,5

To date we have known that colonoscopy clearly offered advantages in terms of early detection of lesions and polyps which were in the rectum and left side of the colon.  These areas of course are the most easily reached during endoscopic examination.  There has been less enthusiasm about the ability of the procedure to offer similar advantages when lesions and polyps occur on the right side of the colon.  The right side of the colon of course is more difficult to reach and in some patients, depending upon their individual anatomy, it may not be possible to reach the most distant part of the right colon, called the cecum.  The cecum is where the small intestine connects with the colon and is also the location of the appendix. 4,5

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (Vol. 154, no 1, 22-30, Jan 3, 2011) indicates that colonoscopy does indeed improve the likelihood of identifying and removing early lesions of the right side of the colon.  The study, performed in Germany, indicated that colonoscopy reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by 77%.   The risk reduction was greatest, as expected on the left side, 84%, but was also significant on the right side at 56%.  The improvement in outcomes was seen in both sexes and for all stages of colorectal cancer.  Patients under the age of 60 had the lowest level of benefit, which most likely reflects the lower incidence of cancers the younger the patient population. 6

This study has generated great attention and has been widely reported on in other venues. 7,8,9,10

One aspect of the study that has led to speculation is why there are differences in rates of detection using colonoscopy.  Clearly, the most significant factor is the experience base of the physician performing the procedure.  Gastroenterologists are physicians who have completed a residency in internal medicine followed by specialty training in gastro-intestinal disease, diagnosis, treatment as well as endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy.  Currently, in many cases, colonoscopy is performed by primary care physicians and in some cases surgeons   For the most part, these physicians have lower levels of training in the procedure and perform them less frequently.  Having said that, it is clear that the rate of detection of polyps varies not only between groups of physicians, but also among gastroenterologists. 11

So what does this all mean?  First, screening for colorectal cancer works and colonoscopy is an essential part of that screening as we age.  As note, for most of us that is after the age of 50, usually once every 10 years, or 5 years if polyps have been detected.  Second, it matters who does the procedure, with the most important aspects being training and experience.  Some advocate that patients should specifically ask their doctor what their personal detection rate is for polyps and how often they are able to examine the entire colon.

In summary then, early detection remains the key element in prevention of cancer related deaths.  When the organ system in question is the colon, colonoscopy is clearly one of the key elements in that early detection.

* Colonoscopy Even More Beneficial Than Thought – New Study Confirms Colonoscopy Reduces Colon Cancer Deaths from Left Sided and Right Sided Lesions http://is.gd/HE40Eg

1. Colonoscopy – http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/

2, Colonoscopy – http://www.medicinenet.com/colonoscopy/article.htm

3. Colorectal Cancer Screening – http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/

4. Colon/Rectum Cancer – http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/index

5. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2008-2010 – http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/f861708finalforwebpdf.pdf

6. Protection From Colorectal Cancer After Colonoscopy A Population-Based, Case–Control Study – http://www.annals.org/content/154/1/22.abstract

7. Study: Colonoscopy Is Worth the Discomfort – http://healthland.time.com/2011/01/03/study-colonoscopy-is-worth-the-discomfort/

8. New Evidence on Benefits of Colonoscopies Study Shows Colonoscopy Exam Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer Throughout Colon – http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20110103/new-evidence-on-benefits-of-colonoscopies

9. Colonoscopies May Not Have ‘Blind Spot’ After All – http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=648404

10. Colonoscopy Does Screen for Right-Side Cancers – http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/ColonCancer/24158

11. Colonoscopy: What Does It Take to Get It “Right”? – http://www.annals.org/content/154/1/68.extract

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Low Dose Aspirin Found to Cut Risk of Death from Numerous Cancers January 1, 2011

Posted by Ben Kazie MD in : cancer, esophagus, Medications, melanoma, Prostate, public health, research , add a comment

“Take Two Aspirin and Call Me in the Morning” – It’s No Joke 1

One of mankind’s oldest remedies, aspirin, which has references dating it’s use to at least the 4th century BC, has received another endorsement: cancer prevention.2

A recent study published in the highly respected British journal, The Lancet, indicates that low dose aspirin may play a role in the prevention of a variety of cancers.  These include cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, pancreas, intestine, lung, and prostate.3

Clinical trials with aspirin as we know it today, acetyl salicylic acid (ASA), which was perfected by Felix Hoffman of Bayer Pharmaceuticals, occurred during 1897—1899 and it has been with us ever since. 2,4

ASA is the synthetic form of a naturally occurring compound, salicin, found in plants and trees, particularly the willow tree.  The famed Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed a potion or tea made from willow leaves to ease labor pains in women of that time. 2,4

We of course know of the use of aspirin for relief of aches, pains and fevers.  Aspirin is the “original NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)” and has been used to treat arthritis and related conditions for years.  Over the past several decades research has indicated its important role in prevention and acute treatment of heart attacks and certain types of strokes (embolic not hemorrhagic). 2,4

Now this new study shows that daily aspirin regimens of 5 years or more substantially reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.  Researches found that this regimen reduced mortality from various cancers by 10 to 60%, depending upon the type of cancer. 3

These findings occurred in a study of over 25,000 persons, which was initially undertaken to assess the protective effects of aspirin on heart and vascular disease.  Researchers were quick to point out that the public should consult with their physician before embarking on an aspirin regimen, but do concede that the small risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is likely outweighed by the benefits in terms of cardiovascular disease prevention and now possible cancer prevention.3,5,6

During the study the overall cancer death rate reduced by 21%.  At the five-year mark in the study, death from GI cancers had reduced 54%. This positive effect however, was not seen until 10 years out.  For prostate cancer the protective effect was 15 years out. 3

The study followed patients for up to 20 years.  Those followed for this length of time showed a reduction in cancer related death of 10% for prostate cancer, 30% for lung cancer (only adenocarcinoma, the kind which NON smokers get), 40% for colorectal cancer and 60% for esophageal cancer. There were only a few deaths in the study group due to pancreatic, stomach and brain cancer, so the potential impact of aspirin on these cancers could not be accurately assessed. 3

As with prevention of heart attack, higher doses of aspirin did not offer greater benefit than long term dosing at the 75mg level.  Age was noted to be a factor with the 20-year risk of cancer death declining most dramatically among older patients in the study. 3,5,6

Again, doctors have cautioned patients not to be overly optimistic about this report, as some feel the claims made by this study are quite dramatic and require further analysis and investigation.  Patients with a history of ulcers or other GI disorders such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, gastric or duodenal ulcers, as well bleeding disorders are strongly advised to seek medical guidance regarding any planned use of aspirin regimens. 7,8

1. “Take Two Aspirin and Call Me in the Morning” – It’s No Joke”

2. What is Aspirin?

3. Effect of daily aspirin on long-term risk of death due to cancer: analysis of individual patient data from randomised trials – The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 7 December 2010

4. Aspirin

5. Low-Dose Aspirin Cuts Cancer Death Rate by 30%-40%

6. Is aspirin really a magic bullet for cancer?

7. Cancer doctors urge caution over taking daily aspirin

8. Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks

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