May 2006

The use of some antidepressants may reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to researchers reporting in The Lancet Oncology. The antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may inhibit the growth of colorectal tumors, according to lead researcher Jean-Paul Collet, MD, from the Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

“Further investigation is needed, with more complete assessment of confounders, such as lifestyle factors, use of drugs and comorbidity, that might affect the occurrence of colorectal cancer,” Collet added in a press statement.

Full story at Hem/Onc Today
Sources:
* Xu W, Tamim H, Shapiro S, et al. Use of antidepressants and risk of colorectal cancer: a nested case-control study. Lancet Oncol. 2006;7:301-308.
* Sørensen HT. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and chemoprevention of colorectal cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2006;7:277-279.