New Discovery on the Effect of Aspirin in Preventing Cancer Metastasis

A recent study shows that taking one aspirin daily can prevent the spread of cancer. This research, conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge in the UK, indicates that aspirin can stimulate the immune system to prevent metastasis, which is the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. According to this study, about 90% of cancer-related deaths occur after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The American Cancer Society expects that by 2025, over two million new cancer cases will be identified in the United States, with more than 618,000 people expected to die from it, which is equivalent to about 1,700 people per day. The Cambridge research team described these findings as 'exciting and surprising' and stated that it could eventually lead to the prescription of aspirin for cancer patients, but emphasized that the time for this has not yet come and advised individuals to avoid self-medication with these pills. Professor Rahul Roychoudhury from Cambridge, who led the research, told Newsweek, 'I believe the appropriate message to cancer patients is cautious optimism along with consulting their doctor.' He added, 'Aspirin is a cheap and accessible drug, but it is not without side effects. Long-term use of aspirin is associated with gastrointestinal issues including ulcers and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and it increases the risk of brain hemorrhage, especially in older individuals. Therefore, the cost-benefit evaluation of aspirin should be specifically conducted for each individual based on age, other diseases, and medications they are taking.' One part of the immune system, a type of white blood cell called 'T-cell,' can attack and destroy invading cancer cells. However, this research showed that another component of blood, platelets, which usually help stop bleeding, suppresses these T-cells and prevents the destruction of cancer cells. According to the new findings, aspirin weakens platelet function, alleviating this suppression and allowing T-cells to freely hunt cancer cells. Simultaneously, clinical trials are underway to determine the safe and effective use of aspirin to prevent cancer spread. Previous studies have shown that individuals who take low-dose aspirin daily are less likely to experience the spread of certain types of cancers such as breast, bowel, and prostate cancer; however, it was not previously clear how aspirin prevents cancer spread. This research, whose results were published in the scientific journal 'Nature,' was conducted on mice, and scientists identified 15 genes involved in cancer metastasis after examining 810 genes. Researchers plan to collaborate with the clinical trial unit of the Medical Research Council at University College London to apply these findings in clinical practice.