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Exploring New Frontiers in Bowel Cancer Prevention with Resveratrol

Red wine gained attention in health discussions for its purported heart benefits and potential effects on longevity. Recent scientific evaluations, however, have challenged these notions, indicating that while red wine isn’t a health elixir, certain components, particularly resveratrol, may offer genuine health benefits.

A significant new trial, initiated this week, aims to examine whether low doses of resveratrol, a compound found not only in red wine but also in various fruits and peanuts, can contribute to preventing bowel cancer. This study represents one of the most extensive investigations to date into drugs that might avert cancer.

Lead investigator Prof Karen Brown, a cancer researcher at the University of Leicester, expressed optimism about the Colo-Prevent trial. “We are embarking on a unique experiment to see how drugs could stop bowel polyps from growing,” she stated. “The outcome of this trial could greatly influence how we approach bowel cancer prevention, especially for individuals at greater risk as they age.”

This trial builds upon over ten years of research from Brown’s lab, which previously demonstrated that purified resveratrol effectively slows tumor growth in mice and is capable of reaching the bowel without undergoing digestion.

Participants, aged between 50 and 73, will be recruited from those who have undergone NHS bowel screening and have been identified as having bowel polyps—typically benign growths that pose a risk of developing into cancer if unaddressed. After having their polyps removed, participants will receive either aspirin alone or a combination of aspirin and metformin (a medication typically used for diabetes) over a three-year period as part of the main study.

Additionally, a subset of participants will take purified resveratrol or a placebo for a one-year duration. It is critical to note that while red wine consumption is not associated with cancer prevention and alcohol is recognized as a carcinogen, this trial focuses on the contributions of a specific compound.

At the conclusion of the trial, participants will undergo a colonoscopy to determine any regrowth of polyps. Should the trial prove successful, the treatments explored could potentially be made available to those participating in the NHS bowel screening program, thus mitigating the risks associated with the development of bowel polyps and, by extension, bowel cancer.

Among the first participants is David Trusler, a 66-year-old from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, who is inspired by personal loss to participate. “I am taking part for my father, who passed away from bowel cancer when I was a teenager,” he shared.

Having previously been treated for prostate cancer, Trusler has engaged with the bowel cancer monitoring program, which revealed abnormal results during a June screening. “My initial reaction was one of dread. I felt really anxious about what might be discovered,” he remarked. Fortunately, while cancer wasn’t detected, two polyps were found, which require monitoring.

Trusler’s motivation extends beyond personal health; he hopes to contribute to advancements in treatments that could benefit future generations, stating, “I’m participating in this trial for my dad, to provide future generations with treatments that he never had.”

Prof. Brown noted that lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, and limiting consumption of red and processed meats, are proven strategies to decrease bowel cancer incidence. “Screening has made commendable strides in identifying bowel cancers among high-risk populations. Nonetheless, to further improve health outcomes, we must focus on preventing bowel cancer before it arises,” she added.

Bowel cancer represents the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with around 44,000 new diagnoses each year, marking it as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Dr. Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the trial’s potential impact on cancer prevention. “This trial heralds a new chapter in cancer research, where we may significantly enhance prevention via advanced scientific approaches. The insights gleaned from this study will transform our understanding of cancer prevention and provide more individuals with opportunities for longer, healthier lives, free from the worry of cancer,” he said.

Source
www.theguardian.com