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Sulindac for polyposis of the colon
W R Waddell1, G F Ganser, E J Cerise
1Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Denver.
American Journal of Surgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, effectively eliminated colon polyps in patients with Gardner's syndrome or familial polyposis coli. No new cancers developed during the study period.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Familial polyposis coli and Gardner's syndrome are hereditary conditions characterized by numerous colorectal polyps.
- These conditions significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sulindac in managing colon polyposis in patients with Gardner's syndrome or familial polyposis coli.
- To assess the drug's effect on polyp elimination and cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with Gardner's syndrome or familial polyposis coli underwent subtotal colectomy and ileoproctostomy.
- Four patients with intact colons and similar conditions received sulindac treatment.
- All patients were monitored for polyp recurrence and cancer development.
Main Results:
- Sulindac treatment led to the elimination of almost all colon polyps in the studied patients.
- A few polyps persisted in the rectal mucosa and anal canal.
- No new cases of cancer were observed in the patients during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Sulindac demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing or eliminating colon polyps in patients with hereditary polyposis syndromes.
- The drug may play a role in chemoprevention of colorectal cancer in these high-risk individuals.