Home Gastroenterology Genetic Variation Impacts Aspirin/NSAID Link to CRC Risk

Genetic Variation Impacts Aspirin/NSAID Link to CRC Risk

Use of aspirin, NSAIDs lowers risk of CRC in association with genetic variation at two SNPs

TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified which confer differential benefit for aspirin and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in relation to colorectal cancer risk, according to a study published in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Hongmei Nan, M.D., Ph.D., from Indiana University in Indianapolis, and colleagues conducted a case-control study using data from studies involving 8,634 colorectal cancer cases and 8,553 matched controls. The authors tested gene × environment interactions between regular use of aspirin and/or NSAIDs and SNPs in relation to colorectal cancer risk.

The researchers found that, compared with non-regular use, regular use of aspirin and/or NSAIDs correlated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.69). There was a genome-wide significant interaction with aspirin and/or NSAID use at the SNP rs2965667 at chromosome 12p12.3; aspirin and/or NSAID use correlated with lower risk of colorectal cancer for individuals with rs2965667-TT genotype (OR, 0.66), while a higher risk was seen among those with rare TA or AA genotypes (OR, 1.89). There was a genome-wide significant interaction with use of aspirin and/or NSAIDs with the SNP rs16973225 at chromosome 15q25.2; regular use correlated with lower risk for those with the AA genotype (OR, 0.66), while no association was seen for those with AC or CC genotypes (OR, 0.97; P = 0.76).

“Validation of these findings in additional populations may facilitate targeted colorectal cancer prevention strategies,” the authors write.

One author disclosed holding a patent for aspirin as a colorectal chemopreventive agent; one author disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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