Aspirin and colorectal adenoma

Aspirin is effective for secondary prevention of colorectal adenoma, according to the results of a meta-analysis. Researchers identified four trials involving 2,967 participants aged a mean 58 years. Doses of aspirin tested were 81-325mg per day. Overall, advanced lesions were found in 12 per cent of those taking placebo and 9 per cent of those taking any dose of aspirin. The pooled risk ratio of any adenoma for any dose of aspirin versus placebo was 0.83, corresponding to an absolute risk reduction of 6.7 per cent. For any advanced lesion, the pooled risk ratio was 0.72.

Cole BF, Logan RF, Halabi S et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2009; doi:10.1093/jnci/djn485

Originally published in the March 2009 edition of MIMS Oncology & Palliative Care.