Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the chemoprevention of colorectal and oesophageal cancers.

In recent years, several areas of biological research have increasingly supported the suggestion that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the occurrence or progression of colorectal and, to a lesser extent, oesophageal cancer or both. This suggestion is supported by consistent biochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, clinical, and epidemiological messages. This leading article reviews the evidence and demonstrates how these diverse studies can be translated into strategies for NSAID intervention trials in cohorts at risk of colorectal and oesophageal cancer.