Researchers Find How NSAIDs Inhibit Development of Colon Cancer

Rresearchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report they have identified a mechanism by which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the development of colon cancer.

Compared with normal cells, colorectal cancer cells have abnormally high levels of an immune system protein, IL-6. The IL-6 protein triggers malignant growth by activating a protein called STAT1, which transmits signals that prevent the normal scheduled death of cells in the colon.

Dr. David Frank said in laboratory tests in which colon cancer cells were treated with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin and sulindac, they blocked the IL-6 activation of STAT1, throwing a wrench into the signaling pathway leading to cancer.

The researchers said they also applied butyrate, a chemical that's produced when the body metabolizes dietary fiber, and it also blocked IL-6 activity, but through a different signaling pathway.

Frank said he and his colleagues are now tudying ways to block the STAT1 protein in patients who have already developed colorectal cancers.

The findings are published in the Proceedings for the 2003 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Other Sources: American Association for Cancer Research