Scientists at the University of Cambridge have described a "Eureka moment" in discovering how aspirin may prevent cancer from spreading.
The groundbreaking research, published in the prestigious journal Nature, revealed that aspirin strengthens the immune system's ability to identify and eliminate dangerous cancer cells.
The study suggests a promising path for aspirin to become an effective cancer treatment, potentially leading to the development of more targeted drugs to prevent cancer metastasis.
The findings build on previous studies but offer new insights into aspirin's cancer-fighting properties.
Aspirin may stop the spread of cancer cells
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The research team screened 810 genes in mice, identifying 15 that affected cancer spread.
They discovered that mice lacking a gene producing the protein ARHGEF1 showed reduced cancer spread to the lungs and liver.
ARHGEF1 suppresses T cells, which are crucial for identifying and killing metastatic cancer cells.
In a surprising finding, researchers learned this suppression occurs when T cells are exposed to thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a clotting factor produced by blood platelets.
Aspirin is known to reduce TXA2 production, thereby freeing T cells to attack cancer cells. Mice given aspirin showed fewer metastases compared to untreated mice.
Researchers are now working with Professor Ruth Langley at University College London on the Add-Aspirin clinical trial.
This important trial, supported by Cancer Research UK, includes patients with breast, oesophageal, stomach, prostate and bowel cancer.
Experts cautioned against self-medicating with aspirin due to potential side effects. Professor Langley emphasised: "In a small proportion of people, aspirin can cause serious side-effects, including bleeding or stomach ulcers.
"Professor Alan Melcher from the Institute of Cancer Research, London, added that aspirin's side effects "are not trivial such as stomach bleeding."
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Consultation with a doctor is essential before starting aspirin treatment
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Consultation with a doctor is essential before starting aspirin treatment.
Dr Jie Yang from the University of Cambridge described the discovery as "a Eureka moment" when they found TXA2 was activating the suppressive effect on T cells.
"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," Dr Yang added.
Tanya Hollands from Cancer Research UK noted further work is needed. She stated: "At the moment, there are no national guidelines for the general population to take aspirin to prevent or treat cancer."
