Rebecca Manzi A new study has revealed the power of aspirin in counteracting the spread of tumor metastases by acting on platelets and reducing the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2)
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Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a seminal discovery: aspirin could enhance the immune system’s ability to battle cancer metastases dissemination. According to Nature, the research indicates the common anti-inflammatory medication can help immune cells target and destroy malignant cells more effectively as they spread throughout the body.
The team, led by scientist Rahul Roychoudhuri, observed the effect of aspirin on different types of cancer, including melanoma, breast cancer, and colon cancer. According to the results, animals that had been treated with the drug experienced a significant reduction in metastasis development compared to those animals that had not been administered the drug.
Thus far, a number of epidemiological studies had already shown a correlation between regular aspirin use and the lower incidence of metastasis in cancer patients. However, the reason for this correlation was unclear. The new study has now revealed the underlying mechanism: the drug affects platelets, preventing the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a substance which is involved in blood clotting but also harms the function of immune cells.
How the immune reaction works
Specifically, TXA2 works on a protein called Arhgef1, which interferes with the activity of T cells—responsible for identifying and destroying tumor cells in the blood. By inhibiting the production of such a molecule, aspirin restores the effectiveness of the immune reaction, making its action against cancer spread more opportune.
The scientists emphasize that the discovery could lead to the development of combination treatments with immunotherapy, potentially increasing the chances of combatting metastatic progression in susceptible patients. Despite the promising results, however, they do not recommend independent aspirin intake. Its effect could vary depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s condition.
Additional studies will be needed to further examine the clinical efficacy of this approach, establishing the potential value of aspirin for preventing cancer recurrence. If confirmed, these findings could represent an important advance toward more effective and affordable therapies for metastatic cancer.
Source: Nature
