A novel mechanism for the anticancer activity of aspirin and salicylates.

Epidemiological studies indicate that long‑term aspirin usage reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and may protect against other non‑CRC associated adenocarcinomas, including oesophageal cancer. A number of hypotheses have been proposed with respect to the molecular action of aspirin and other non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs in cancer development. The mechanism by which aspirin exhibits toxicity to CRC has been previously investigated by synthesising novel analogues and derivatives of aspirin in an effort to identify functionally significant moieties.

The Cytotoxicity and Synergistic Potential of Aspirin and Aspirin Analogues Towards Oesophageal and Colorectal Cancer.

Background: Oesophageal cancer (OC) is a deadly cancer because of its aggressive nature with survival rates that have barely improved in decades. Epidemiologic studies have shown that low-dose daily intake of aspirin can decrease the incidence of OC.

Methods: The toxicity of aspirin and aspirin derivatives to OC and a CRC cell line were investigated in the presence and absence of platins.