Scientists have discovered how aspirin may stop some cancers from spreading, describing it as a “Eureka moment”.
The new research builds on existing evidence suggesting aspirin supports a boost in the immune system to help catch deadly cancer cells.
Clinical trials in cancer patients, examining how aspirin could stop the disease coming back, are ongoing – but experts warn against routinely taking aspirin without speaking to a doctor.
The new research suggests a path for aspirin to become a cancer treatment, alongside the development of more effective drugs to prevent cancer spreading.
Researchers screened 810 genes in mice and found 15 that impact the spread of cancer.
Mice lacking a gene which produces a certain protein, called ARHGEF1, were less likely to have cancer spread to the lungs and liver, the study found.
Scientists found that ARHGEF1 suppresses a type of immune cell called a T cell, which is important for recognising and killing metastatic (spreading to other parts of the body) cancer cells.
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They unexpectedly discovered the ARHGEF1 is switched on when T cells are exposed to a particular clotting factor, a protein that prevents excessive bleeding.
The clotting factor, called thromboxane A2 (TXA2), is made by platelets in the blood – and aspirin is already known to cut its production.
By decreasing TXA2 production, aspirin can prevent certain cancers from spreading, researchers found.
In mice given aspirin, the frequency of metastases – the spread of cancer – was reduced compared with ones not on the drug, the research, published in the Nature journal and funded by the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust, found.
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Dr Jie Yang, from the team which led the study at the University of Cambridge, described the discovery about TXA2 as a “Eureka moment”.
“It was an entirely unexpected finding which sent us down quite a different path of inquiry than we had anticipated,” Dr Yang said.
“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.
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Researchers are now working with Professor Ruth Langley at University College London, who is leading a study into whether aspirin can stop or delay early stage cancers from returning.
Prof Langley said: “This is an important discovery. It will enable us to interpret the results of ongoing clinical trials and work out who is most likely to benefit from aspirin after a cancer diagnosis.”
However, she warned: “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.”
