Question

The relationship between use of Aspirin and prostate cancer explored in a study involving 375 vases and 407 controls. In this study, 198 cases and 174 of controls had confirm that they have never used Aspirin at any point.

a) Build the 2X2 table consist only with data that will help you to estimate the association between Aspirin and Prostate cancer [4 points]

b) Calculate the odds ratio of prostate cancer comparing ‘never users’ versus ever users’ and provide a one sentence interpretation of the results [4 points].

c) Calculate the attributable fraction due to “not being exposed to aspirin” and prostate cancer and explain in one or two sentences the meaning of your findings [4 points]

d) Calculated the population attributable risk of not being exposed to aspirin on prostate cancer and explain in words the meaning of such finding [4 points]

e) What do you think about the classification of aspirin intake in this way could this invites error? (no more than 3-4 sentences [4 points]

Answer 1

a) Aspirin modulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key enzyme that induces proinflammatory prostaglandins, including prostaglandin E2, which increases cellular proliferation, promotes angiogenesis, and increases resistance to apoptosis. 13 In addition, aspirin also inhibits COX-1 expression, which controls prostaglandin levels involved in platelet activation and protection of gastrointestinal mucosa. These effects, along with other non-COX mechanisms affecting the expression of other inflammatory and protumoral molecules, may explain the dramatic effect of aspirin on liver fibrosis progression or cancer rates. ...

e) Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling.