Cancer

Study: Aspirin May Stop Some Cancers from Spreading

MAR 6 2025·Updated MAR 7 2025

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The Facts

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered the mechanism behind how aspirin could prevent metastasis of some cancers by enhancing the immune system's ability to attack spreading cancer cells.
ScienceDaily
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
Nature
In a study published in Nature, the research team screened 810 genes in mice and identified that the protein ARHGEF1 suppresses T-cells, which are crucial immune cells responsible for recognizing and destroying metastatic cancer cells that have broken away from primary tumors.
Cancer Research from Technology Networks
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
Sky News
Scientists found that ARHGEF1 is activated when T-cells are exposed to thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a clotting factor produced by blood platelets. Aspirin works by reducing TXA2 production, thereby freeing T-cells to attack cancer cells more effectively.
BBC News
GB News
Previous studies have shown that daily low-dose aspirin can reduce the spread of certain cancers, including breast, bowel, and prostate cancers, with metastasis being responsible for 90% of cancer deaths globally.
Newsweek
Medicalxpress
In mouse models of melanoma, researchers demonstrated that aspirin treatment significantly reduced the frequency of metastases compared to control groups by releasing T-cells from TXA2-mediated suppression.
Cancer Research from Technology Networks
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
Clinical trials are currently underway through the Add-Aspirin study to determine how to safely and effectively use aspirin to prevent cancer spread, as the drug can cause serious side effects, including bleeding and stomach ulcers in some people.
BBC News
Manchester Evening News

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The Spin

Narrative A

This discovery offers a potentially accessible and affordable option for preventing cancer spread, particularly during the crucial window when cancer cells are most vulnerable to immune attack. This could significantly improve outcomes for early-stage cancer patients.

Nature

SMC España

Narrative B

While the findings are promising, aspirin's serious side effects — including gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers — mean it's not suitable for everyone. More research is needed to identify which patients would benefit most from this treatment approach.

Sky News