Scientists have discovered that aspirin, a common household medicine, may help prevent cancer from spreading throughout the body, offering new hope for patients while raising important questions about dosage and long-term effects.

At a Glance

• University of Cambridge researchers found aspirin may reduce cancer metastasis by activating the immune system to attack spreading cancer cells
• Aspirin works by reducing thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which normally suppresses T cells that could fight cancer cells
• Metastasis is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths, making this discovery potentially significant for cancer treatment
• Clinical trials are underway to determine which patients might benefit, and experts caution against self-medicating without doctor consultation

How Aspirin May Help Fight Cancer Spread

A groundbreaking study from the University of Cambridge has revealed that aspirin, commonly used for pain relief and blood thinning, may have a significant role in preventing cancer metastasis. The research indicates that aspirin works by stimulating the immune system, specifically by reducing the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a substance that suppresses T cells capable of attacking cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor. This discovery provides new insights into how this widely available medication might be repurposed to help cancer patients at risk of recurrence.

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The study, published in Nature, identified a specific gene called ARHGEF1 that affects cancer metastasis by suppressing T cells. When aspirin blocks the production of TXA2, it prevents this suppression, allowing T cells to more effectively identify and destroy metastasizing cancer cells. In experiments with mice, researchers observed a notable reduction in cancer metastases when aspirin was administered, highlighting the potential for this approach in human patients. This timing is critical because when cancer first spreads, the cells are particularly vulnerable to immune attack.

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The Critical Window of Opportunity

Metastasis—the spread of cancer from its original site to other parts of the body—is responsible for approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Cambridge researchers discovered that there exists a crucial window of opportunity when cancer cells first begin to spread. During this period, these cells are more susceptible to being targeted and destroyed by the body's immune system. Understanding and taking advantage of this vulnerability could significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients who have undergone treatments like surgery for early-stage cancers.

The discovery came as a surprise to the researchers, who were initially investigating the immune system's response to cancer spread rather than aspirin's potential benefits. Dr. Jie Yang, one of the researchers, described finding TXA2 as the molecular signal that suppresses T cells as a "Eureka moment," noting that they had not anticipated the connection to aspirin's anti-metastatic properties. This unexpected finding has opened up new avenues for research and potential treatments.

Clinical Trials and Future Applications

The findings support ongoing clinical trials, such as the Add-Aspirin trial, which is investigating whether regular aspirin use after standard treatments can prevent cancer recurrence. These trials aim to determine the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing cancer recurrence and which patients would benefit most from this approach. The accessibility and relatively low cost of aspirin compared to antibody-based therapies make it a potentially valuable option for cancer treatment globally, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.

Researchers are also exploring the possibility that aspirin may synergize with other immunotherapies, potentially enhancing their effectiveness. Additionally, they are investigating whether immune biomarkers could help identify patients who would benefit most from aspirin's anti-metastatic effects. This targeted approach could maximize benefits while minimizing risks for patients. The TXA2–ARHGEF1 pathway may also have broader roles in immune regulation, including T cell memory and exhaustion during chronic viral infection.

Caution and Consultation

Despite the promising findings, medical experts caution that aspirin can have serious side effects in some people, including bleeding complications and stomach ulcers. Therefore, cancer patients should not self-prescribe aspirin but should consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication. The goal of ongoing and future research is to determine the correct dosage, duration, and which specific patient populations would benefit most from aspirin therapy while minimizing potential risks.

The University of Cambridge study represents a significant step forward in understanding how common medications might be repurposed for cancer treatment. As clinical trials progress and researchers continue to unravel the complex interactions between aspirin, the immune system, and cancer, this everyday medication may eventually become an important tool in the fight against cancer metastasis—potentially saving countless lives through a simple, accessible treatment approach.

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Sources:

https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/scientists-discover-how-aspirin-could-prevent-some-cancers-from-spreading

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08626-7

https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/aspirin-might-be-the-next-big-thing-in-fighting-the-spread-of-cancer