Aspirin Prevents Lynch Syndrome Cancers

ECCO/ESMO UPDATE — BERLIN 2009

Although initial reports found no reduction in polyps or cancer in people with Lynch syndrome who took aspirin and/or resistant starch supplements, longer follow-up tells a difference story.

About five years after trial participants began taking aspirin or a placebo, differences began to emerge. Even though patients in the trial only took aspirin for four years, later followup found significantly fewer colon colon cancers among those who had used  aspirin, as well as fewer Lynch-related cancers overall.   There were almost three times as many colon cancers in Lynch carriers who took a placebo compared to those who used aspirin. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on September 24th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: aspirin, colorectal cancer prevention, Lynch syndrome

September is GYN Cancers Month

September is set aside to raise awareness of gynecological cancers.  GYN cancers affect women’s reproductive organs including the cervix, endometrium, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva, and ovaries.

In 2009 there will be an estimated 80,720 new cases of GYN cancers and 28,120 deaths.

Women with Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)  have a high lifetime risk of endometrial cancer, reaching 71 percent by the age of 70.  This is much higher than the general population whose risk is less than 2 percent. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on August 31st, 2009
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Tags: endometrial cancer, Lynch syndrome, ovarian cancer

Old Chemo Drug May Fight Lynch Syndrome

Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug used as long ago as the 1940′s, may be effective against colorectal cancers caused by mutations in a gene that is part of Lynch syndrome.

The drug targeted and destroyed cells that contained mutated MSH2 genes. Inherited mutations in MSH2 prevent mistakes in correct copying of DNA during cell division allowing cancer to develop and grow, particularly inherited colorectal and endometrial cancers.  In addition, MSH2 mutations can occur in some colorectal cancers that are not inherited.

Based on the work done in cancer cells, a Phase II clinical trial has begun recruiting patients with advanced colorectal cancer at the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital in the United Kingdom.  To be part of the trial, patients need to have changes in MSH2 genes either in their tumor tissue or in their blood. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on August 30th, 2009
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Tags: HNPCC, Lynch syndrome, methotrexate

Lynch syndrome: Lifetime Risk of Colorectal and Endometrial Cancers

A new study estimates the lifetime risks for colorectal and endometrial cancer in people with a genetic mutation for Lynch syndrome. The analysis was controlled to avoid bias and overestimating risk.

Even after adjusting for possible bias, lifetime risks for both cancers was high and the need for special surveillance was critical. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on August 24th, 2009
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Tags: HNPCC, Lynch syndrome

Colorectal Cancer News in Brief: August 7

Research has found aspirin or resistant starch doesn’t help people with Lynch syndrome avoid new polyps.  While almost all people had seen a cancer-related ad, very few actually got a prescription for the advertised drug. People who followed a low-fat, high-fiber diet most carefully had fewer new polyps.

A Johns Hopkins team has developed SUDS — a device for cleaning ER equipment that wipes out dangerous bacteria and keeps it from returning for several days.  The Caring Connection will help you find advance directive forms and instructions for your state. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on August 7th, 2009
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Tags: advance directives prevention, advertising, diet, Lynch syndrome, polyps