[Chemoprevention of familial cancer]

I review basic researches and clinical trials on chemoprevention of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) which is one of well-known familial cancer. Many basic researches indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prevent colorectum neoplasms by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2. Actually sulindac, which is one of the NSAIDs, reduces adenomas of the rectum of FAP patients. I think, however, sulindac should not be used for cancer prevention, because it can not prevent advanced cancer but it reduces adenomatous polyps of the rectum. Furthermore, side effects of sulindac are frequent and serious.