Could a Simple Aspirin Pill Reduce Cancer Risk?

Recent research has revealed that aspirin may play a role in stopping the spread of certain cancers. Scientists have now discovered how this common medication boosts the immune system and reduces the risk of cancer metastasis.

How Aspirin Helps Prevent Cancer Spread

Studies have previously shown that people who take a daily low-dose aspirin experience a reduction in the spread of some cancers, including breast, bowel, and prostate cancer. However, the exact reason behind this effect has not been clear.

A new study, published in Nature and conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, has uncovered the mechanism behind this process. The researchers found that aspirin decreases a clotting factor called thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which releases T cells from suppression. These immune cells are then better able to attack and destroy cancer cells that have broken away from the primary tumour.

Understanding Cancer Metastasis

Metastasis occurs when cancer cells move from their initial location to different areas of the body. While cancer usually begins in one location, nearly 90% of cancer-related deaths occur when it spreads to vital organs like the lungs and liver.
Scientists aimed to understand how the immune system responds to metastasis. When cancer cells break away from the main tumour and enter the bloodstream, they are more vulnerable to immune attacks. However, tumors often create an environment that suppresses the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight cancer.

Key Findings of the Study

Through extensive research, scientists screened 810 genes in mice and identified 15 that influence cancer metastasis. Among these, a gene responsible for producing a protein called ARHGEF1 was found to be significant. Mice lacking this gene showed reduced cancer spread to the lungs and liver.
Further investigation revealed that ARHGEF1 suppresses T cells, preventing them from attacking metastatic cancer cells. The researchers then traced this suppression back to TXA2, a compound involved in blood clotting. Since aspirin is known to reduce TXA2 levels, this connection explains why aspirin could help prevent cancer metastasis.

Supporting Evidence from Animal Studies

To confirm their findings, scientists conducted experiments using a mouse model of melanoma. They observed that mice given aspirin had fewer metastases compared to those that did not receive the drug. This reduction was directly linked to the release of T cells from TXA2-induced suppression.

Conclusion

Although these findings are promising, experts warn that aspirin is not suitable for everyone. The drug can have serious side effects, including an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, ongoing clinical trials are evaluating how aspirin can be used safely and effectively to prevent cancer spread. Patients should always consult a doctor before taking aspirin for this purpose.
This discovery not only strengthens the case for aspirin’s role in cancer prevention but also opens the door to developing more targeted drugs that could enhance the immune system’s ability to fight metastatic cancer. With further research, this breakthrough could lead to new, effective treatments for preventing the spread of cancer.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.