Aspirin benefits people with COX-2 overexpression
This is what I meant by “The key will be to identify what sub-population (which group of people) will benefit from it….” in the previous post on the protective effects of aspirin.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine yesterday compared patients with colorectal cancer who took aspirin with those who didn’t. It turns out that there IS a subgroup of people who benefits more: those who over-express (means “to have an excess of”) COX-2.
What’s COX-2? It’s an enzyme (rings a bell?) that promotes growth of blood vessels in tissues. It is possible that this is the mechanism that leads COX-2 to promote the progression of colorectal cancer.
At the moment, this information is not usable yet in clinical medicine, but this is one road that could lead to better understanding of development of cancer and its prevention.
David Aspirin
versus
Goliath COX-2
Image source
Oh my gosh, Chemistry lesson. *faints*
COX-2 I dunno. Ask me something about NOX emission perhaps I can tell you something. LOL
Hmmm….headache!!! o_O *sighs*
When we start talking chemistry, my mind closes down.
Jonzz, look BEYOND the chemistry…
Cocka Doodle, ohh… what’s NOX?
Chelsea, relax.. it’s just some figures.
Capt Picard, good thing Data can do the analyses.
Inorganic chemistry baffles me in Form 5
is asprin widely used here? if not mistaken, there is some benefit for heart patients too.
would it not be better for COX 2 inhibitors rather than aspirin. I remember a case where Prof Raman and I started this young girl with thoracic pseudotumour with a cox 2 inhibitor and she recovered very well. There are papers where such cases were treated with NSAIDs like naproxyn sodium. It was known to act on the prostacyclin arm.
would it be true to say all those who develop cancers will have COX 2 overexpression? rather than just saying those with cox2 overexpression would be at a risk of developing cancer! Would it then be helpful to add NSAIDS or COX 2 inhibitors as an adjunctive treatment arm for cancer patients?
Wow … thanks for the update
Dear Dr Bernard Chan,
Thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, I discovered who “Palmdoc” is! Unfortunately, both Palmdoc and Dr S C Ng are unable to make any further progress where my mum is concern due to (i) age factor and (ii) the blast has progressed. I think if they were to do another bone marrow test, it could probably show >20%! We are therefore maintaining her with the occassional blood and platelet transfusions. Yes, I certainly agree that my mum is under the very best expertise. However, the hospital bills are atrocious whilst the doctors fees are reasonable and acceptable. I have now switched her to UH and, my mum being a government servant, the financial burden is not so stressed out.
Just me, it’s ORganic chemistry
Clement, aspirin has its benefits and is proven for artery disease of the heart and strokes.
George, I’m trying to highlight the study that showed that there are subgroups that would benefit from aspirin. There are studies which showed the benefit of selective COX-2 inhibitors for tumour and adenoma prevention.
On the other hand, there IS some concern regarding the cardiac adverse effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors.
As to adjunctive therapy with a COX-2 inhibitor, it is possible to explore further that role. I wonder whether you are aware of any studies that are published or under way to define the role of NSAIDs or selective COX-2 inhibitors in an adjunctive setting?
Sbanboy, thanks for dropping by
Dear Ilene, I’m sorry to hear about the transformation. I hope that she’s comfortable.
this is the chemistry that i hated most… again…
Bottom line, must take asprin izzit?
Bernard, 6 days no blog alledi wor. Why ah? Missing you or shall I say your posts!
Dr Bernard, sorry to trouble you but if you read this, could you please hop over to Firehorse’s blog. She has been asked to go for biopsy…..she is sked….could you give her some assurance of the procedures.
mana itu mia loktor sudah hilang arrr??
Dear Bernard, Thanks for hopping over so quick, truly am touched. Thank you. I won’t worry too much till all is done.
Ray, hi.. you guys wanna meet up some time next week?
FH, no that’s not recommended yet.. researchers are looking for more specific subgroups who who will benefit from intervention and perhaps even safer drugs to use.
Hang in there, ok?
Judy, I was not feeling up to it for the past few days… even surgeons do feel down sometimes.
Sweetpea, you’re so sweet. Loktor on leave. Sendiri apply, sendiri approve.
Bernard, my mader’s maiden name is Quek. So I am a qualified Dr Quek. I give no medication but I come to give you love, support and encouragement from God.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me with all your heart.
Take care.
Amen to Dr. Quek~ B.. where are u la? MIA? All ok?
wei, hello anybody home?
Judy a.k.a. Dr Quek, thanks.. that is uplifting.
Kathy, Amen too! I’m just taking a break. I’ll be back soon. Thank you, Kat
George, thanks for calling just now. Just straightening out some things.
*scratch head*
*blur*
*sneak out*
Zara’s mama, hi there.. next time i’ll make it clearer.
Thanks for dropping by.