Aspirin cuts colon cancer recurrence risk by more than half
- A recent clinical trial found that daily aspirin can significantly lower the risk of colon cancer recurrence.
- The study involved 626 patients with a PIK3 gene mutation and compared aspirin use to a placebo over three years.
- Findings support the use of aspirin as a low-cost precision medicine approach for patients with specific cancer genetics.
In a recent study led by Anna Martling at the Karolinska Institute, researchers found that daily aspirin intake significantly reduces the recurrence risk of colorectal cancer in patients with a specific genetic mutation. The trial involved 626 participants diagnosed with colon cancer driven by the PIK3 gene mutation, a condition responsible for cell growth regulation in the body. Patients were randomized to take either a daily dose of 160 mg of aspirin or a placebo for three years, with the results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The findings revealed that those taking aspirin had a 55% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those receiving the placebo. This represents a substantial benefit for patients, especially considering that about 30% to 40% of colon cancer patients typically face recurrence following treatment. The research was conducted at 33 hospitals across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, emphasizing the collaboration across the Scandinavian region. Martling emphasized the positive implications of using a commonly available and low-cost drug like aspirin as part of a personalized treatment strategy based on genetic characteristics. By targeting patients with a specific mutation, this study exemplifies a shift towards precision medicine in oncology, where treatment is tailored based on the individual patient's genetic profile. Although the exact mechanisms by which aspirin affects cancer recurrence remain unclear, potential explanations include its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in inhibiting tumor cell growth, creating a less favorable environment for cancer to thrive. As this research progresses, it encourages further investigation into the use of existing medications in new contexts to improve cancer care. The promise shown by aspirin could pave the way for more cost-effective therapeutic options that mitigate the suffering associated with cancer recurrence, which is a significant concern among patients and healthcare providers alike.