BAX gene needed for NSAIDs chemoprotection

Scientists have discovered how non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can prevent colorectal cancer. Dr Lin Zhang and colleagues at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore have shown that a vital key to chemoprevention is the presence of the BAX gene (Science 2000;290:989-92).

Long term use of NSAIDs is known to be effective in preventing colorectal cancer in those who …