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Scientists have uncovered a game-changing breakthrough in cancer research—aspirin may help the immune system fight cancer and prevent it from spreading. This discovery, published in Nature, could lead to improved cancer treatments and new drugs designed to stop cancer metastasis.
Aspirin & Cancer: What Scientists Have Discovered
What We Already Knew:
- Previous studies showed that people who take low-dose aspirin daily have a lower risk of cancer spreading, particularly in breast, bowel, and prostate cancers.
- However, scientists didn’t fully understand how aspirin worked to prevent metastasis—until now.
The New Breakthrough:
- A research team from the University of Cambridge focused on metastasis, the process responsible for 90% of cancer deaths.
- When cancer cells leave their original tumor and travel to other parts of the body, they become more vulnerable to immune attacks.
- Unlike large tumors, which suppress immune responses, individual cancer cells are easier for the immune system to detect and destroy.
The Key to Stopping Cancer Spread: A Crucial Protein
Scientists screened 810 genes in mice and identified 15 genes linked to cancer spread.
One key gene produced a protein called ARHGEF1, which was found to suppress T cells—the immune cells responsible for attacking cancer cells.
Mice that lacked this gene had fewer cancer metastases in their lungs and liver.
How Aspirin Plays a Role
Researchers needed to find a way to block ARHGEF1—and their search led them to an unexpected discovery.
ARHGEF1 is activated by a clotting factor called thromboxane A2 (TXA2).
TXA2 is already known to be affected by aspirin.
When scientists gave aspirin to mice with melanoma, it reduced the number of metastatic cancer cells compared to mice that did not receive aspirin.
How does this work?
Aspirin lowers TXA2 levels, which frees T cells from suppression, allowing them to attack cancer cells more effectively.
Could Aspirin Become a Cancer-Fighting Drug?
The Findings Are Promising, But There Are Risks:
- While aspirin’s effect on metastasis is exciting, it’s not suitable for everyone.
- Aspirin can cause serious side effects, such as stomach bleeding in some individuals.
What’s Next?
- Clinical trials are underway to determine the safest and most effective way to use aspirin in cancer prevention.
- Experts urge caution—if you’re considering aspirin for cancer prevention, consult your doctor first.
A New Hope for Cancer Patients
This research offers new hope in the fight against cancer metastasis. If clinical trials confirm aspirin’s benefits, it could become a valuable tool in stopping cancer from spreading and improving patient outcomes.
