Aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors improve survival in colon cancer patients

This study investigated whether aspirin and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors improved the survival outcomes of colon cancer patients. The authors found that in comparison to non-users, patients who took aspirin or COX-2 inhibitors had better survival outcomes.

Studies have shown that the drugs aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors (such as Celebrex) reduce the likelihood of developing colon cancer in patients at high risk. Furthermore, aspirin use after diagnosis has been associated with improved survival in colon cancer patients. Confirmation of these findings will help doctors make informed treatment choices. This could increase prevention and improve survival outcomes for colon cancer patients.

This study aimed to determine the association between aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors with survival outcomes in colon cancer patients. This study included patients with stage 3 colon cancer receiving chemotherapy. Patients answered questionnaires midway through chemotherapy and 6 months after. Patients who reported aspirin use in the first and second questionnaires were classed as aspirin users. Patients who reported using COX-2 inhibitors in the second questionnaire were classed as COX-2 inhibitor users. Patients were monitored for an average of 6.5 years to measure survival.

799 patients indicated the frequency which they took aspirin in the questionnaires. 9.4% were classed as aspirin users. Aspirin users were 49% less likely to have developed disease recurrence over 5 years. Members of this group were 32% more likely to have survived completely disease-free (without cancer or other diseases). Aspirin users were 52% more likely to have survived for 5 years (with or without recurrence) in comparison to non-users.

843 patients gave information about their COX-2 inhibitor use. 7.0% reported using COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitor users were 47% less likely to have developed disease recurrence over 5 years. Members of this group were 53% more likely to have survived disease-free. The likelihood of overall survival for 5 years was 74% higher in COX-2 inhibitor users were 74% more likely to have.

Aspirin and COX-2 inhibitor use was not associated with heart problems. No other serious side effects were observed except for low white blood cell levels.

The authors suggested that aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors have a protective effect in patients with colon cancer. They suggest that this improves survival outcomes.

 This study did not examine what dosages/duration of treatment with aspirin or COX-2 inhibitors are most effective.

Consult your doctor to discuss the effects of aspirin or COX-2 inhibitors.