A recent study from the University of Cambridge suggests that taking a common over-the-counter pain reliever could potentially help inhibit the spread of certain cancers. The research, published in the journal Nature on March 5, found that aspirin may reduce cancer metastasis by activating participants’ immune systems.
In mouse models, scientists identified a protein called ARHGEF1 that suppresses T-cells, immune cells responsible for targeting and attacking individual cancer cells that have spread from primary tumors. It was observed that ARHGEF1 was activated in the presence of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a chemical produced by platelets to aid in blood clotting.
Excessive TXA2 levels can elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin, known for its ability to halt TXA2 production and prevent clotting, may potentially lower this risk and impede cancer spread by releasing T cells from suppression, as stated in a press release accompanying the study.
In experiments involving mice with melanoma, those administered aspirin displayed fewer instances of cancer metastasis compared to the control group. The study’s findings indicate the potential benefits of aspirin in preventing cancer spread by reducing TXA2 levels and enhancing immune response.
Dr. Jie Yang, the study’s lead author, highlighted the significance of the discovery, emphasizing the potential of aspirin or similar drugs targeting this pathway as more cost-effective alternatives to antibody-based therapies.
Additional research has suggested that daily aspirin intake is associated with decreased cancer spread in individuals with the disease and reduced cancer-related mortality in patients without metastasis. Dr. Rahul Roychoudhuri, the study’s senior researcher, emphasized the potential of aspirin and other pathway inhibitors in developing new treatments to curb cancer metastasis.
Dr. Pashtoon Kasi, a medical expert not involved in the study, echoed previous research linking aspirin use to a reduced risk of cancer, particularly gastrointestinal cancers. He highlighted the importance of these findings in potentially preventing cancer metastasis and spreading, underscoring the need for further research to validate these outcomes.
According to a researcher, while aspirin is affordable and easily accessible, its prolonged use carries “significant risks,” such as stomach bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke, especially in older individuals. Therefore, it is advised that patients refrain from starting aspirin therapy for cancer prevention without consulting their healthcare provider. The risk-benefit assessment varies among individuals based on factors like age, existing conditions, and concurrent medications. Patients considering aspirin therapy should consult their oncologist or family doctor to weigh the potential benefits versus risks. The study’s limitations, including the use of mouse models instead of human subjects, and the lack of consideration for potential complications, like bleeding or drug interactions, were highlighted. Experts recommend discussing the advantages and drawbacks of regular aspirin usage with a healthcare professional. Ongoing research, such as the Add-Aspirin clinical trial involving over 10,000 patients with various cancers, aims to determine if aspirin can prevent or delay cancer recurrence. The study’s results suggest that aspirin may be most beneficial for patients with early-stage cancers, but further clinical validation is required before specific recommendations can be made. Funding for the research was provided by various organizations, including Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council.
