Does Aspirin Prevent Development of Colorectal Polyps?

Low-dose aspirin, in conjunction with screening and surveillance, helped to prevent recurrent adenomas.

Researchers have shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induce regression of colorectal polyps in patients with familial polyposis. Now, in 2 randomized double-blind trials, investigators examined whether aspirin prevents the development of polyps in patients without familial polyposis.

In one trial, 635 patients with previously resected colorectal cancer received daily aspirin (325 mg) or placebo. During an average follow-up of 31 months (during which most patients underwent 1 or 2 colonoscopies), aspirin recipients were significantly less likely than placebo recipients to develop 1 or more adenomatous polyps (17% vs. 27%). Due to this finding, the study was stopped early. Similar numbers of adverse events occurred in the …

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD