In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that aspirin could play a key role in preventing the spread of cancer. The common painkiller may help stop metastasis by enhancing the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.
Dr. Jie Yang from the University of Cambridge called the discovery “a Eureka moment,” revealing that aspirin disrupts platelets, which normally shield cancer cells from immune attack. By removing this barrier, aspirin allows T-cells to target and eliminate harmful cancer cells more effectively.
Professor Rahul Roychoudhuri, also from Cambridge, told the BBC that aspirin could work best in early-stage cancers and might be used after surgery to prevent further spread. However, experts caution that this research is still in early stages, with findings based on animal studies.
Professor Mangesh Thorat from Queen Mary University of London urged patients not to take aspirin without medical advice, as it can cause serious side effects like internal bleeding and strokes. While aspirin is already recommended for some high-risk patients, such as those with Lynch syndrome, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its broader use in cancer treatment.
