A familiar medicine found in countless homes is now being tested in an entirely new role. Scandinavian researchers suggest it may lower the risk of colorectal cancer returning – but only for a specific group of patients.
A common drug in a new light
Aspirin has long been used to treat pain and fever, but scientists are now investigating its potential as a targeted cancer therapy.
A major cross-border effort
More than 3,500 patients from hospitals in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland took part in the large study led by the Karolinska Institutet.
The mutation that matters
Researchers focused on patients with changes in the PIK3 gene family, which regulates key processes in cell growth and signaling.
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Not a small minority
Around 40 percent of colorectal cancer patients carry this mutation, making the findings highly relevant to a large patient group.
Clear effect on recurrence
Those given aspirin daily for three years had up to a 55 percent lower risk of their cancer returning compared with the placebo group.
Affordable and widely available
Unlike many modern cancer drugs, aspirin is inexpensive and easy to access worldwide, a significant advantage for healthcare systems.
How the effect might work
Scientists believe the benefit may come from aspirin’s ability to reduce inflammation and block platelets, which play a role in tumor growth.
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Risks that can’t be ignored
The drug can also bring side effects, including stomach issues and an increased tendency to bleed, which must be carefully monitored.
Patients who should avoid it
Those with stomach ulcers, asthma, or bleeding disorders are advised against its use, and combining aspirin with blood thinners raises the risk even more.
A step toward personalized medicine
The findings highlight how genetic information can be used to tailor treatments, helping reduce recurrence while lowering costs and suffering.
Questions for the future
Although the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclear, researchers believe patients with PIK3 mutations may be the ones to benefit most.
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This article is based on information from the Illustreret Videnskab
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