[Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer].

UNLABELLED: A NEW CONCEPT: Chemoprevention of cancer consists in the administration of chemical agents to prevent or inhibit carcinogenesis. This strategy can be applied at any stage of carcinogenesis.

ASSESSMENT: The development of such agents relies on classical bases: phases I, II and III. The approach consists in assessing the effect of the substance tested in patients with history of resected adenomas of the colon and at high risk of relapse and/or family risk of colon cancer.

THE PRINCIPLE AGENTS UNDER ASSESSMENT: Are aspirin, type 2 cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, calcium, folic acid, certain vitamins, hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women and difluoromethylornithine (DFMO).