Colon Cancer Survivors - Medications and Risk of Recurrence

Background

Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in over 100,000 Americans in 2001. To combat this disease, new avenues to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, such as chemoprevention, are being explored by CRN researchers at two sites. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been shown to decrease incident colon cancer. Little is known, however, about their effect on persons with a history of colon cancer, which, fortunately, is a continually expanding population as survival has been significantly improving over the last twenty years.

Study Aims

The specific aims are:

1. To determine whether NSAID use deceases the risk of recurrence of colorectal cancer;
2. To determine whether HRT use deceases the risk of recurrence of colorectal cancer;
3. To determine whether NSAID use affects short-term survival; and
4. To determine whether HRT use affects short-term survival.

Methods

The research team has established a cohort of over 1,000 colorectal cancer patients treated with curative intent, and created a comprehensive longitudinal database, including data on the ascertainment of subsequent adenomatous polyps, colorectal cancer and survival. Cohort subjects will be followed for at least five years for new evidence of disease, recurrence, and survival outcome. Using automated pharmacy data, the timing of use and exposure to NSAIDs and HRT will be analyzed among cancer survivors.

Significance

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancers and rank second among cancer deaths in the United States. Still, over 50 percent of colon cancer patients survive for ten years or longer, necessitating a better understanding of aspects that increase or decrease the likelihood of recurrence.

Project Status

This study was funded as an investigator-initiated R01 (Research Project), and is closely affiliated with the CRN. Christine Johnson, PhD, from Henry Ford Health System, is the Principal Investigator. Data collection is ongoing.

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