New Study Shows That a Common Pain Medication Could Slow or Reduce the Spread of Cancer

Aspirin, a common over-the-counter pain reliever, may help prevent the spread of certain cancers by boosting the immune system, according to a new study from the University of Cambridge. The research suggests that aspirin could block a protein that weakens immune cells, potentially making it a cost-effective option for slowing cancer metastasis.

Key Facts:

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that aspirin may prevent cancer from spreading by enhancing immune response.
The study, published in Nature on March 5, tested aspirin’s effects on mice with melanoma.
A protein called ARHGEF1 was found to suppress immune T-cells, but aspirin blocked this process.
Past studies have linked aspirin to reduced cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer.
While promising, experts caution against taking aspirin for cancer prevention without medical advice due to potential risks like stomach bleeding.

The Rest of The Story:

Scientists discovered that a chemical called thromboxane A2 (TXA2), produced by platelets, can activate ARHGEF1, which in turn weakens the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.

Aspirin, known for preventing blood clots, blocks TXA2 production, effectively reactivating T-cells.

In mice with melanoma, those given aspirin had fewer instances of cancer metastasis compared to those without it.

The findings add to previous research linking aspirin to reduced cancer rates, including a clinical trial where 600 mg daily over two years significantly lowered cancer incidence in people with hereditary colorectal cancer.

However, experts warn that aspirin use comes with risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke, especially in older adults.

Researchers emphasize the need for further human trials before making widespread recommendations.

A recent phase 3 clinical trial studying patients with rectal and colon cancer found that low-dose aspirin (160 mg) cuts cancer recurrence by 50-60% and increases disease-free survival by 40-50%, specifically in patients with PIK3CA mutations.

Aspirin:
– Blocks COX enzymes
-… pic.twitter.com/7FXLvyCIi7

— Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD (@drconnealymd) January 28, 2025

Commentary:

If these findings hold true in human studies, aspirin could offer a major breakthrough in cancer treatment at a fraction of the cost of expensive therapies.

Many cancer drugs come with a hefty price tag and severe side effects, yet aspirin is affordable and widely available.

More and more, research is showing that simple, low-cost solutions may be as effective as high-priced treatments.

Natural and common remedies, often overlooked in favor of pharmaceutical innovations, continue to prove their value.

This study suggests that a decades-old medication might be a key player in the fight against cancer, and if validated, it could make treatment more accessible worldwide.

Of course, aspirin is not risk-free.

Long-term use can lead to stomach issues, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

That said, the fact that a drug as inexpensive as aspirin is showing promise should push the medical community to explore similar cost-effective alternatives rather than focusing solely on expensive, cutting-edge drugs.

While big pharmaceutical companies push newer, high-priced treatments, this research reminds us that sometimes the best answers have been hiding in plain sight all along.

Patients should discuss options with their doctors, but it’s encouraging to see more attention given to accessible, affordable treatments.

The Bottom Line:

Aspirin’s potential role in preventing cancer spread is an exciting discovery, offering a low-cost alternative to expensive therapies.

While further research is needed, this study highlights the power of existing, affordable medicines in the fight against serious diseases.

Patients should consult their doctors before using aspirin for this purpose, but this could be a game-changer in cancer treatment.