Description
A chemopreventive effect of aspirin (ASA) on lung cancer risk is supported by epidemiologic and preclinical studies. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study in current heavy smokers to compare modulating effects of intermittent versus continuous low dose ASA on gene signatures of smoking and lung cancer from nasal brushings. Fifty-four participants were randomized to intermittent ASA (ASA 81 mg daily for one week alternating with placebo daily for one week) or continuous ASA (81 mg daily) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was modulation of a smoking gene signature in nasal brushings. Other [JB1] endpoints included modulation of nasal and bronchial gene signatures for smoking, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and changes in cyclooxygenase (COX)- and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX)-mediated arachidonic acid (ARA) metabolism.