Using atorvastatin and aspirin to reduce colorectal cancer risk in Lynch syndrome

Impact of Atorvastatin ± Aspirin on Colorectal Biomarkers in Patients With Lynch Syndrome: a Pilot Study

Early Phase 1 Interventional Fox Chase Cancer Center · NCT04379999

This study is testing if taking atorvastatin alone or with aspirin can lower the risk of colorectal cancer in people with Lynch syndrome.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorFox Chase Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT04379999 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This exploratory biomarker trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of atorvastatin, a common cholesterol-lowering medication, alone or in combination with aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with Lynch syndrome. Participants will be stratified based on their history of polyps or cancer and will receive treatment for 6 weeks. Blood samples and normal colon biopsies will be collected at the start and end of the treatment period to assess various biological markers and changes in gene expression. The study will also evaluate the acceptability of the treatment through post-treatment questionnaires.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with molecular evidence of Lynch syndrome and a history of colorectal cancer that has been surgically cured.

Not a fit: Patients with active cancer, those under 18, or individuals with contraindications to atorvastatin or aspirin will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new preventive strategy for colorectal cancer in high-risk individuals with Lynch syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of Lynch syndrome, similar studies have explored the use of atorvastatin and aspirin in cancer prevention with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects who are 18 years of age or older
* Able to read and sign an informed consent document in English
* Eligible subjects will have molecular evidence of Lynch Syndrome (mutation in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, EPCAM or PMS2)
* History of colorectal cancer if surgically cured and \> 1 year from completion of adjuvant chemotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Are \<18 years of age
* Unable to read and sign an informed consent document in English
* Have active cancer or are less than 3 years post hormonal maintenance therapy for cancer
* Have statin intolerance or contraindication for aspirin or atorvastatin use
* Are pregnant or are actively breast feeding

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lynch SyndromeHNPCCMLH1MSH2MSH6PMS2EPCAMLYNCH
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.