Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with metastasis, the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, being responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths. However, new research from the University of Cambridge suggests that aspirin, a common over-the-counter drug, might play a crucial role in stopping the spread of certain cancers. This discovery could revolutionize cancer treatment by providing a widely accessible and cost-effective option for patients at risk of metastasis.
“It was a Eureka moment when we found TXA2 was the molecular signal that activates this suppressive effect on T cells,” said Dr. Jie Yang, one of the lead researchers at the University of Cambridge. “Before this, we had not been aware of the implication of our findings in understanding the anti-metastatic activity of aspirin. It was an entirely unexpected finding which sent us down quite a different path of inquiry than we had anticipated.”
Groundbreaking Research on Aspirin and Cancer Metastasis
Researchers from the University of Cambridge, funded by UK Research and Innovation, conducted a study on mice to explore the genetic mechanisms involved in cancer metastasis. They identified 15 genes linked to the spread of cancer, with one in particular, ARHGEF1, playing a pivotal role. This gene produces a protein that suppresses immune T cells – cells that naturally attack and destroy cancer cells.
The study found that the ARHGEF1 gene is activated by thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a molecule that promotes blood clotting and is produced by platelets. When platelets aggregate, they protect circulating cancer cells from immune attack, aiding their spread throughout the body. Aspirin, a known inhibitor of platelet function, reduces the production of TXA2, thereby preventing the suppression of T cells. As a result, the immune system is better able to recognize and attack metastatic cancer cells, limiting their ability to colonize new tissues.
According to Dr. Rahul Roychoudhuri, a professor of cancer immunology at Cambridge and the study’s lead author, this mechanism presents a “unique therapeutic window of opportunity when cancer cells are particularly vulnerable to immune attack.” He hopes that therapies targeting this vulnerability will prevent cancer recurrence in early-stage patients who are at risk of metastasis.
Statistical Success: How Well Does It Work?
The study, published in Nature, showed promising results in animal models. Mice that received aspirin had significantly fewer cancer metastases (36% was cited in other studies) compared to those that did not. The study also cited previous clinical evidence suggesting that daily low-dose aspirin reduces the likelihood of metastasis in common cancers such as breast, bowel, and prostate cancers.
Further supporting this, Cancer Research UK reports that half of all those diagnosed with cancer in England and Wales survive at least 10 years post-diagnosis, with survival rates significantly higher for some cancers. The key to improved survival is preventing the spread of cancer before it has the chance to establish itself in other organs. “More than 90% of cancer deaths happen after cancer has spread to another part of the body,” noted the researchers, emphasizing the significance of therapies that halt metastasis.
Potential Aspirin Dosage for Cancer Prevention
While the research is still in its early stages, previous studies on aspirin’s effects on cardiovascular disease suggest that a low daily dose (typically 75-100 mg) may be effective in reducing TXA2 production without significantly increasing the risk of side effects. However, the precise dosage for cancer prevention remains unclear.
Clinical trials are already underway to explore the effect of aspirin on cancer recurrence. Dr. Ruth Langley, a professor of oncology at University College London, is leading the Add-Aspirin trial, which aims to determine whether aspirin can help prevent or delay the return of early-stage cancers. “In a small proportion of people, aspirin can cause serious side-effects, including bleeding or stomach ulcers. Therefore, it is important to understand which people with cancer are likely to benefit and always talk to your doctor before starting aspirin,” Langley advised.
The Risks and Considerations of Daily Aspirin Use
Despite its potential benefits, aspirin is not without risks. Prolonged use can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and in rare cases, hemorrhagic stroke. Individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or those on anticoagulant therapy should consult a doctor before considering daily aspirin use.
Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of further clinical trials to validate these findings before widespread recommendations are made. “Clearly, clinical trials need to be done to validate these findings. Both aspirin alone in patients who have earlier cancers, and therefore not candidates for immunotherapy or chemotherapy, and aspirin as an adjunct to these therapies in more advanced cancers need to be evaluated.”
What’s Next? The Future of Aspirin in Cancer Treatment
With clinical trials underway, the next few years will provide more definitive answers about aspirin’s role in cancer treatment. If proven effective, aspirin could become a simple yet powerful tool in preventing the spread of cancer, particularly in early-stage patients at high risk of metastasis.
Moreover, scientists are investigating whether other drugs targeting the same biological pathway as aspirin could offer similar benefits while minimizing side effects. The study suggests that inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), the enzyme responsible for TXA2 production, may enhance immunity against metastases by releasing T cells from suppression.
For now, experts stress that patients should not start an aspirin regimen without medical guidance. However, the potential of this inexpensive, globally available drug to transform cancer treatment remains a compelling area of investigation.
Conclusion
Aspirin’s newfound role in preventing cancer metastasis represents a significant breakthrough in oncology research. If confirmed in clinical trials, this inexpensive and widely available drug could offer a new strategy for reducing cancer recurrence and improving long-term survival rates. As Dr. Jie Yang put it, “aspirin, or other drugs that could target this pathway, have the potential to be less expensive than antibody-based therapies, and therefore more accessible globally.”
As science continues to unlock aspirin’s full potential, it may soon become a key player in the fight against cancer.
