Known for decades as a painkiller, aspirin may also help slow cancer spread, according to a new research published in Nature.
However, experts caution that it’s not a cure and can carry risks, including increased chances of internal bleeding.
How aspirin affects cancer spread
The study from the University of Cambridge highlights how aspirin might inhibit metastasis—the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body. Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Cancer cells often escape the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream, where platelets (blood-clotting cells) shield them from the immune system. Aspirin disrupts this process by weakening platelets, allowing T-cells (immune cells) to detect and destroy the cancer cells.
Caution needed: Risks and limitations
Despite its potential, aspirin is not universally safe for cancer prevention. The blood-thinning effect that makes aspirin useful also increases the risk of internal bleeding, particularly in the stomach and brain. Since the recent study was conducted on mice, further research is needed to validate the findings in humans.
Real-World implications and future research
Experts advise against using aspirin as a cancer treatment without medical supervision. Ongoing clinical trials, like the ADD-ASPIRIN trial in the UK, Ireland, and India, aim to identify which patients may benefit from aspirin therapy.
Aspirin is already used for individuals with high genetic cancer risks, like those with Lynch syndrome. It has long been prescribed to reduce heart attack and stroke risks by preventing blood clot formation.
Moving forward: A step toward targeted therapies
While the study opens new avenues for cancer treatment, experts emphasize that a cure is still far off. Personalized medicine remains crucial due to the diverse nature of cancers and their ability to evade immune responses. Nonetheless, the research may pave the way for more targeted therapies that minimize aspirin’s side effects, offering hope for future advancements.
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