asa in prevention of ovarian cancer (stics and stones)

Conditions: Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Summary: while asa is not a cancer medication, research suggests that taking asa reduces the probability of getting many types of cancer because of its anti-inflammatory action. inflammation in the ovaries during ovulation is thought to contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, and, because asa is an anti-inflammatory medication, it may help to prevent it.

the standard or usual treatment for women with a high risk gene mutation, brca1 or brca2, is to have risk-reducing surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or bilateral salpingectomy inclusive of fimbria) after they have decided not to have more children naturally. acetylsalicylic acid (asa) is a safe, well tolerated drug taken by mouth. asa has been available for over 100 years and has been used mainly to relieve fever and pain, but also as an anti-inflammatory medication in order to reduce inflammation (swelling).

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * previously documented germline brca1/2 pathogenic mutation or likely pathogenic variant based on the acmg 2015 guidelines * risk-reducing surgery (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or bilateral salpingectomy inclusive of fimbria) scheduled for within 6 months to 2 years after the date of randomization as standard of care, for women who have completed their families * ecog performance status 0 or 1 * age ≥ 18 years old * subject is able (i.e. sufficiently literate) and willing to complete the credibility/expectancy questionnaire in english or french. * subject consent must be appropriately obtained in accordance with applicable local and regulatory requirements. each subject must sign a consent form prior to enrollment in the trial to document their willingness to participate * subjects must be accessible for treatment and follow up. subjects randomized on this trial must be treated and followed at the participating centre. * in accordance with cctg policy, protocol treatment is to begin within 2 working days after subject randomization * women of childbearing potential must have agreed to use a highly effective contraceptive method for the duration of the study treatment and for 30 days post last dose of study medication exclusion criteria: * subjects with history of other malignancies, except: * adequately treated non-melanoma skin cancer; * curatively treated in-situ cancer of the cervix; * previously diagnosed (at any point) breast cancer, treated with curative intent; prior chemotherapy is allowed and the last dose must be ≥ 12 months prior to randomization; endocrine therapy for breast cancer is allowed at any time. * other solid tumours curatively treated with no evidence of disease for \> 5 years. * subjects who have been treated with any parp-inhibitors (e.g. olaparib) at any time. * subjects with active bleeding or bleeding diathesis. * subjects with active peptic ulcer. * subjects with renal, hepatic or congestive heart failure. * subjects with concurrent use of anti-coagulants and/or anti-platelet agents. * subjects with prior bilateral salpingectomy. * subjects with history of chronic daily use of asa or nsaids. * subjects with intolerance of asa including subjects with a history of asthma induced by salicylates or substances with a similar action, notably non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs. * ongoing or planned pregnancy. * subjects who are breastfeeding.