Animal experiment:

Mice[1]C57B/L6J mice are randomly divided into four groups: CAC group, Balsalazide (BSZ) group (300 mg/kg), VSL#3 group, and BSZ+VSL#3 group. After two weeks, the AOM/DSS model is induced by AOM injection followed by two cycles of 2% DSS[1].

Balsalazide could suppress colitis-associated carcinogenesis through modulation of IL-6/STAT3 pathway.

At the endpoint, the protein production of MIP-1β, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-10 in the colon tissues decrease in concordance with the plasma concentrations of the cytokines. The drug-treated groups reveal lower expression of p-STAT3 compared to the CAC group. In addition, BCL2 decreases and BAX increases markedly in the BSZ+VSL#3 group[1]. Balsalazide is a new 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) containing prodrug[2].

References:
[1]. Do EJ, et al. Suppression of colitis-associated carcinogenesis through modulation of IL-6/STAT3 pathway by balsalazide and VSL#3. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016 Aug;31(8):1453-61.
[2]. Kruis W, et al. Low dose balsalazide (1.5 g twice daily) and mesalazine (0.5 g three times daily) maintained remission of ulcerative colitis but high dose balsalazide (3.0 g twice daily) was superior in preventing relapses. Gut, 2001. 49(6): p. 783-789.