Does aspirin or non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use prevent colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease?

AIM: To determine whether aspirin or non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NA-NSAIDs) prevent colorectal cancer(CRC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched for articles reporting the risk of CRC in patients with IBD related to aspirin or NANSAID use. Pooled odds ratios(OR) and 95%CIs were determined using a random-effects model. Publication bias was assessed using Funnel plots and Egger's test. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and the I2 statistic.RESULTS: Eight studies involving 14917 patients and 3 studies involving 1282 patients provided data on the risk of CRC in patients with IBD taking NA-NSAIDs and aspirin respectively. The pooled OR of developing CRC after exposure to NA-NSAIDs in patients with IBD was 0.80(95%CI: 0.39-1.21) and after exposure to aspirin it was 0.66(95%CI: 0.06-1.39). There was significant heterogeneity(I2 > 50%) between the studies. There was no change in the effect estimates on subgroup a na ly s e s o f t he po pulat io n s t udie d o r w he t he r adjustment or matching was performed.CONCLUSION: There is a lack of high quality evidence on this important clinical topic. From the available evidence NA-NSAID or aspirin use does not appear to be chemopreventative for CRC in patients with IBD.