New ‘Superaspirin’ Helps Prevent Colon Cancer in Mice

A recent study indicates a powerful form of aspirin appears to help prevent colon cancer in mice without raising the incidence of gatrointestinal bleeding.

The drug is called nitric oxide-donating aspirin, or nitroaspirin. Researcher Dr. Basil Rigas, chief of the Division of Cancer Prevention at SUNY Stony Brook, N.Y., says that while the studies are preliminary, nitroaspirin also may have a positive effect against cardiovascular disease and help ease the pain of arthritis. The compound, he said, is much more powerful than regular aspirin, and much safer.

Rigas said the difference between common aspirin and nitroaspirin is that the molecule of aspirin has been modified to release nitric oxide. That, in turn, has multiple effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as cancer.

The full text of a HealthDay news service story on Rigas’ study, as well as more information on “superaspirin,” can be found at www.healthday.com. Search Archive using the keyword “aspirin.”