Aspirin and Cancer: Study Shows 50% Reduction in Recurrence

It’s not a vaccine and it’s not a cure, but researchers are excited about a recent trial highlighting aspirin’s role in reducing cancer recurrence for some types of cancer. Drawing on data from over 3,500 patients, the team at Karolinska Institutet has shown that this inexpensive drug can significantly lower cancer recurrence after surgery. 

Aspirin’s Colorectal Cancer Reduction

Each year, nearly two million people receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis, with 20-40% developing metastases. Colorectal cancer is very difficult to treat and has been impacting younger and younger Americans over the past decade. 

Previous studies have found some evidence that aspirin, even in low doses, may reduce the risk of certain cancers or decrease the risk of recurrence after surgery. There has never been a sizable study to confirm the association—until now. Following 3,500 patents in four Scandinavian countries, the Karolinska Institutet team’s research shows promising results.

What the Study Covered

Patients with a common genetic mutation in the PIK3 pathway, which occurs in roughly 40% of colorectal cancer patients, received 160 mg of aspirin daily or a placebo for three years after surgery. 

Compared to the placebo group, patients who received aspirin had a 55% reduction in cancer recurrence. Researchers believe aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties may slow tumor growth and inhibit platelet function, but they readily admit there is much more they don’t know. Long term, aspirin may become a staple of post-surgery cancer treatment for colorectal cancer patients and other types of cancer as the research expands. 

What Is Aspirin?

Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which alleviates pain, reduces fever and inflammation. It’s one of the most common types of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and is available over the counter worldwide. It is sometimes used in low doses to prevent blood clots. One in four older adults takes aspirin at least three times a week to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, although most do so without the recommendation of the healthcare provider. 

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