PQ - 5 Given the evidence that some drugs commonly and chronically used for other indications, such as an anti-inflammatory drug, can protect against cancer incidence and mortality, can we determine the mechanism by which any of these drugs work? Background: Given the evidence that some drugs commonly and chronically used for other indications, such as an anti-inflammatory drug, can protect against cancer incidence and mortality, can we determine the mechanism by which any of these drugs work? Feasibility: Clinical data sets describing the consequences of long-term use of FDA-approved drugs could be mined for the association of drugs with incidence of various cancer types, while ruling out the possibility of a confounding interaction with the disease being treated. For those drugs already identified as being associated with a reduced risk of cancer, the mechanism(s) by which they reduce this risk remain be identified. In the case of aspirin, for example, most speculation on the mechanism of action has centered on changes in its anti-inflammatory activity. Since inflammation associated with cancer development is well studied, it may be possible to establish a causal link to changes in inflammation. Researchers should seek to move beyond correlative studies and establish careful mechanistic studies that link drug action to changes that alter cancer incidence. Implications of success: Elucidating the mechanisms by which these agents work would be a major breakthrough in cancer prevention. This work could also provide molecular pathways that harbor other targets for prevention and encourage the development of second generation drugs that might diminish toxicities associated with current agents while maintaining efficacy. Success in these studies would provide models for the types of responses that mark good chemoprevention trials. |
| Download Plugins: |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
