Effects of daily aspirin on cancer incidence and mortality in the elderly Japanese

Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer in general population and high-risk population: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many nutritional supplements and pharmacological agents have been reported to show preventive effects on colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer (CRC). We performed a network meta-analysis to summarize such evidence and assess the efficacy and safety of these agents.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published in English until October 31, 2021 that fit our inclusion criteria. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of candidate agents (low-dose aspirin [Asp], high-dose Asp, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors [coxibs], calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid [UDCA], estrogen, and progesterone, alone or in combination) for preventing colorectal adenoma and CRC. Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was employed to evaluate the quality of each included study.

RESULTS

Thirty-two randomized controlled trials (278,694 participants) comparing 13 different interventions were included. Coxibs significantly reduced the risk of colorectal adenoma (risk ratio [RR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-0.79, six trials involving 5486 participants), advanced adenoma (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43-0.92, four trials involving 4723 participants), and metachronous adenoma (RR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.79, five trials involving 5258 participants) compared with placebo. Coxibs also significantly increased the risk of severe adverse events (RR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.13-1.47, six trials involving 7109 participants). Other interventions, including Asp, folic acid, UDCA, vitamin D, and calcium, did not reduce the risk of colorectal adenoma in the general and high-risk populations compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the balance between benefits and harms, regular use of coxibs for prevention of colorectal adenoma was not supported by the current evidence. Benefit of low-dose Asp for chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma still requires further evidence.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, No. CRD42022296376.

Effect of taking aspirin before diagnosis on the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and analysis of prognostic factors

Objective

The 5-year survival rate of patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is very low. However, long-term aspirin use has been suggested to have an adjuvant therapeutic effect. We therefore investigated the effect of long-term aspirin use before ESCC diagnosis on postoperative patient survival.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent esophageal cancer resection in our hospital from 2008 to 2018. Patients were divided into an aspirin group (n = 79) and control group (n = 79), and were followed up until December 2019. We analyzed the clinicopathological and follow-up data of the patients during hospitalization, and the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression levels by immunohistochemistry, and related these to postoperative survival.

Results

Patients who took aspirin had significantly lower survival rates than those who did not. COX-2-negative patients had better survival than patients with either low or high COX-2 expression levels. T stage was the only independent predictor of survival in patients who took aspirin.

Conclusions

Long-term regular use of aspirin before diagnosis had an adverse effect on postoperative survival in patients with ESCC. Different COX-2 protein expression levels were associated with significantly different postoperative survival rates, with COX-2-positive patients having the poorest survival.

Does aspirin reduce the incidence, recurrence, and mortality of colorectal cancer? A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of all cancer deaths in the USA. Some evidences are shown that aspirin can reduce the morbidity and mortality of different cancers, including CRC. Aspirin has become a new focus of cancer prevention and treatment research so far; clinical studies, however, found conflicting conclusions of its anti-cancer characteristics. This study is to summarize the latest evidence of correlation between aspirin use and CRC and/or colorectal adenomas.

METHODS

Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the salvage setting. The pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the effect of aspirin on colorectal cancer and/or colorectal adenomas. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also conducted.

RESULTS

The result showed that aspirin use was not associated with incidence of CRC (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.84-1.12; P = 0.66; I² = 34%), aspirin use was found to be associated with reduced recurrence of colorectal adenomas (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.72-0.95; P = 0.006; I² = 63%) and reduced mortality of CRC (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.64-0.97; P = 0.02; I² = 14%). Subgroup analysis found a statistically significant association in low dose with a pooled RR of 0.85 (95% CI 0.74-0.99; P = 0.03; I² = 31%).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial data indicates that aspirin reduces the overall risk of recurrence and mortality of CRC and/or colorectal adenomas. Incidence of CRC was also reduced with low-dose aspirin. The emerging evidence on aspirin's cancer protection role highlights an exciting time for cancer prevention through low-cost interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov no: CRD42020208852; August 18, 2020; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020208852 ).

Aspirin as a Potential Geroprotector: Experimental Data and Clinical Evidence

Aging is a biological process with effects at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, system, and organismal levels and is characterized by decline in physical function and higher risks of age-related diseases. The use of anti-aging drugs for disease prevention has become a high priority for science and is a new biomedicine trend. Geroprotectors are compounds which slow aging and increase lifespan of the organism in question. The common painkiller aspirin, a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family, is one of the potential geroprotective agents. Aspirin is often used in treatment of mild to moderate pain. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties and acts as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase which results in inhibition of prostaglandin. Acetylsalicylic acid as an active compound of aspirin also inhibits platelet aggregation and is used in the prevention of arterial and venous thrombosis. Aspirin has shown life-extending effects in numerous model organisms. This chapter reviews the evidence for clinical efficacy of aspirin including cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-cancer effects, and improvement of cognitive function. However, there are some limitations of these therapies, including the risk of excessive bleeding. We have also summarized numerous experimental and analytical data that support health and longevity benefits of aspirin treatment by affecting pro-longevity pathways.

Long-Term Aspirin Use and 5-Year Survival in Healthy Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study in South Korea

PURPOSE

We investigated whether long-term aspirin use is associated with 5-year all-cause mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants were individuals aged ≥40 years who were registered in the 2010 sample cohort database of the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea. Aspirin users were divided into three groups: continuous users (2006-2010), previous users (2006-2009), and new users (2010). Individuals with a history of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease were excluded. Five-year all-cause mortality was defined as mortality due to any cause from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. Data were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

In total, 424444 individuals were included. Five-year all-cause mortality was 9% lower in continuous aspirin users than in unexposed individuals [hazard ratio (HR): 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86-0.97; p=0.003]. Five-year all-cause mortality rates in the new aspirin users (HR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.90-1.11; p=0.995) and previous aspirin users (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.94-1.09; p=0.776) were not significantly different from that in unexposed individuals. In the 40-60-year age group, 5-year all-cause mortality in the continuous aspirin users was 24% lower (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.64-0.90; p=0.002) than that in unexposed individuals. However, in the >60-year age group, there was no significant association between aspirin use and 5-year all-cause mortality (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90-1.02; p=0.199).

CONCLUSION

Long-term aspirin use is associated with reduced 5-year all-cause mortality in healthy adults, especially those aged <60 years.

Co-morbid risk factors and NSAID use among white and black Americans that predicts overall survival from diagnosed colon cancer

Black Americans (BA) have higher incidence and higher mortality rates for colorectal cancers (CRC) as compared to White Americans (WA). While there are several identified risk factors associated with the development of CRC and evidence that high levels of adequate screening can reduce differences in incidence for CRC between BA and WA, there remains little data regarding patient co-morbid contributions towards survival once an individual has CRC. Here we set out to identify patient risk factors that influenced overall survival in a cohort of 293 BA and 348 WA with colon cancer. Amid our cohort, we found that patients’ age, tobacco usage, and pre-diagnosed medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) from colon cancer. We identified pre-diagnosed hypertension and diabetes among BA were responsible for one-third of the colon cancer mortality disparity compared with WA. We also identified long-term regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, was associated with shorter OS from colon cancer among WA >65 years of age, but not younger WA patients or any aged BA patients. Our results raise the importance of not only treating the colon cancer itself, but also taking into consideration co-morbid medical conditions and NSAID usage to enhance patient OS. Further evaluation regarding adequate treatment of co-morbidities and timing of NSAID continuance after cancer therapy will need to be studied.

Long-term aspirin use for primary cancer prevention: An updated systematic review and subgroup meta-analysis of 29 randomized clinical trials

Background and objective: Long-term aspirin use for the primary prevention of cancer remains controversial, and variations in the effect of aspirin use on cancer outcomes by aspirin dose, follow-up duration, or study population have never been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aspirin on primary cancer prevention and to determine whether the effect differed according to aspirin dose, follow-up duration, or study population.

Materials and methods: Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to September 30, 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared aspirin use versus no aspirin use in participants without pre-existing cancer and reported cancer outcomes were selected. Data were screened and extracted by different investigators. Analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0. Total cancer incidence was defined as the primary clinical endpoint. Total cancer mortality, all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and total bleeding events were the secondary outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on aspirin dose, follow-up duration, and study populations.

Results: Twenty-nine RCTs that randomized 200,679 participants were included. Compared with no aspirin, aspirin use was not associated with significant reductions in total cancer incidence (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.04, P = 0.72), total cancer mortality (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.07, P = 0.90), or all-cause mortality (RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.02, P =0.31); however, aspirin use was associated with a 44% increase in the risk of major bleeding (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.57, P < 0.00001) and a 52% increase in the risk of total bleeding events (RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.33 to 1.74, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent results.

Conclusions: Long-term aspirin use in individuals without pre-existing cancer was not associated with a significant reduction in total cancer incidence, cancer mortality, or all-cause mortality; however, aspirin use was associated with a significant increase in the risk of bleeding. Therefore, aspirin is not an appropriate choice for the primary cancer prevention.

The evidence strength of a meta-analysis of aspirin for primary prevention of cancer

Dr. Tarek Haykal et al. (145:1795-1809, 2019) reported a meta-analysis of aspirin for the primary prevention of cancer in individuals without known cancer. The authors found that aspirin use was not associated with significant reduction in cancer mortality or incidence, but with higher rates of bleeding. The findings of this study added some evidence to the clinical practice. However, several issues might have compromised the strength of the evidence of this systematic review. If the investigators could have further clarified the inclusion and exclusion criteria, included all eligible studies, extracted data more meticulously, and performed more necessary sensitivity analyses to confirm the robustness of their findings, the strength of evidence of this meta-analysis would have been stronger.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of mortality in lung cancer: A meta-analysis of 5 prospective cohorts studies

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) especially aspirin has been gained increasing attention due to its potential therapy against to lung cancer. Previous investigations have showed different findings in this issue. We studied the safety profile and efficacy of NSAIDs in treating lung cancer.

METHOD

Embase, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 2011 to February 2019. We identified the studies meeting a priori inclusion criteria and it also conducted a secondary review. This meta-analysis of 5 prospective studies was launched to evaluate the effect of NSAIDs for patients with lung cancer on the hazard risk (HR). We used the Random-Effect Model to assess pooled HR and between-study heterogeneity. Application of subgroup analysis, meta-regression, as well as sensitivity analysis was to pinpoint the exact sources of the observed heterogeneity.

RESULTS

5 Prospective Cohorts Studies, including 6017 patients with lung cancer were recruited in the final meta-analysis. In general, using of NSAIDs especially aspirin is not associated with mortality of lung cancer: pooled hazard ratio (HR) of 0.88 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.73-1.05] with low heterogeneity (Q = 6.95; I = 42.4%, P = .139). Egger (P = .665) and Begg (P = 1.000) test also showed little trial error in this meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

NSAIDs did not increase the risk of mortality in patients with lung cancer.

Association of Aspirin Use for Primary Prevention With Cardiovascular Events and Bleeding Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

The role for aspirin in cardiovascular primary prevention remains controversial, with potential benefits limited by an increased bleeding risk.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of aspirin use for primary prevention with cardiovascular events and bleeding.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Embase were searched on Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials from the earliest available date through November 1, 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials enrolling at least 1000 participants with no known cardiovascular disease and a follow-up of at least 12 months were included. Included studies compared aspirin use with no aspirin (placebo or no treatment).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were screened and extracted independently by both investigators. Bayesian and frequentist meta-analyses were performed.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary cardiovascular outcome was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. The primary bleeding outcome was any major bleeding (defined by the individual studies).

RESULTS

A total of 13 trials randomizing 164 225 participants with 1 050 511 participant-years of follow-up were included. The median age of trial participants was 62 years (range, 53-74), 77 501 (47%) were men, 30 361 (19%) had diabetes, and the median baseline risk of the primary cardiovascular outcome was 9.2% (range, 2.6%-15.9%). Aspirin use was associated with significant reductions in the composite cardiovascular outcome compared with no aspirin (57.1 per 10 000 participant-years with aspirin and 61.4 per 10 000 participant-years with no aspirin) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89 [95% credible interval, 0.84-0.95]; absolute risk reduction, 0.38% [95% CI, 0.20%-0.55%]; number needed to treat, 265). Aspirin use was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding events compared with no aspirin (23.1 per 10 000 participant-years with aspirin and 16.4 per 10 000 participant-years with no aspirin) (HR, 1.43 [95% credible interval, 1.30-1.56]; absolute risk increase, 0.47% [95% CI, 0.34%-0.62%]; number needed to harm, 210).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The use of aspirin in individuals without cardiovascular disease was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events and an increased risk of major bleeding. This information may inform discussions with patients about aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular events and bleeding.