ASPIRIN UNDER STUDY FOR ANTICANCER EFFECTS

Researchers are currently studying the possibleanticancer effects of aspirin. Aspirinblocks cyclooxygenase (COX), which helpsrestrict the blood supply to tumors, therebylimiting tumor growth. The studies of aspirininvolved exposing blood vessel cells to aspirinor COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib. Aspirin athigh doses caused death of the blood vesselcells. This effect was not seen with standarddoses of aspirin or with COX-2 inhibitors.Investigators plan to continue studying theunderlying mechanism of aspirin's effect inorder to identify new targets for cancer drugs.

Dr. Garrett is a clinical pharmacistpractitioner at Cornerstone Health Carein High Point, NC.