Long-Term Daily Aspirin Use May Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer, Italian Study Suggests

A new study from Italy suggests that long-term daily use of aspirin can help prevent and inhibit the development of colon and rectal cancer. The study, published in the journal Cancer, analyzed tissue samples from 238 colorectal cancer patients, with 12% of the patients being regular aspirin users.

Compared to non-aspirin users, tissue samples from aspirin users showed less cancer spread to the lymph nodes and higher infiltration of immune cells into tumors. Laboratory analyses revealed that aspirin exposure increased the expression of a protein called CD80 on certain immune cells, improving their ability to alert other immune cells to the presence of tumor-associated proteins.

The researchers also found that in patients with rectal cancer, aspirin users had higher CD80 expression in healthy rectal tissue, indicating a pro-immune surveillance effect of aspirin. The study highlights a complementary mechanism of cancer prevention or therapy with aspirin beyond its classical drug mechanism involving the inhibition of inflammation.

Why this matters: Colorectal cancer is the world's third most common type of cancer. This study suggests that long-term daily aspirin use may offer a preventive measure against the development and progression of this deadly disease by boosting the body's immune response against cancer cells.

The researchers explain that when aspirin is taken orally, its concentration in the rectum can be lower than in the rest of the colon, so it's crucial to ensure adequate doses reach the colorectal tract to be effective. Besides its protective effects against colorectal cancer and polyps, daily aspirin can also reduce the risk of heart attack, clot-related strokes, and other blood flow problems in patients with cardiovascular disease.

However, the researchers caution that aspirin may not be safe for certain individuals, such as pregnant people and those with conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, asthma, stomach ulcers, and liver and kidney disease. They emphasize that long-term daily aspirin use should not replace cancer treatment prescribed by a healthcare provider.

The study's lead author, Dr. Emilio Bria from the University of Padova, stated, "Our findings suggest that the chemopreventive action of aspirin in colorectal cancer is not only mediated by its classical anti-inflammatory mechanisms but also by its ability to boost immunosurveillance, a process that prevents the formation and growth of cancer cells." Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of aspirin use for colorectal cancer prevention.

Key Takeaways

• Long-term daily aspirin use may prevent and inhibit colorectal cancer.
• Aspirin exposure increased immune cell function, boosting anti-tumor response.
• Aspirin's protective effects go beyond its anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
• Adequate aspirin dosage in the colorectal tract is crucial for effectiveness.
• Aspirin use should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to potential risks.