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Scientists discover how the common medicine prevents cancer from spreading in ‘Eureka Moment’

Scientists discover how the common medicine prevents cancer from spreading in ‘Eureka Moment’

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have described an “Eureka Moment” when discovering how aspirin can prevent cancer spreading.

The innovative research, published in the prestigious Nature Nature magazine, revealed that aspirin strengthens the immune system capacity to identify and eliminate dangerous cancer cells.


The study suggests a promising path so that aspirin becomes an effective cancer treatment, which can lead to the development of more specific medicines to prevent cancer metastasis.

The findings are based on previous studies, but offer new ideas on the properties of fighting aspirin cancer.

Magnetic resonance

Aspirin can stop the spread of cancer cells

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The research team selected 810 genes in mice, identifying 15 that affected cancer.

They discovered that the mice that lacked a gene that produces the ARHGEF1 protein showed an extension of cancer reduced to the lungs and liver.

ARHGEF1 suppresses T cells, which are crucial to identify and kill metastatic cancer cells.

In a surprising finding, researchers learned that this suppression occurs when T cells are exposed to thromboxan A2 (Txa2), a coagulation factor produced by blood platelets.

It is known that aspirin reduces the production of TXA2, thus releasing T cells to attack cancer cells. The mice given aspirin showed less metastasis compared to unrelated mice.

Researchers are now working with Professor Ruth Langley at the University College in London in the additional clinical trial.

This important essay, backed by Cancer Research UK, includes patients with breast cancer, teesophageal, stomach, prostate and intestine.

The experts warned against aspirin self -medication due to possible side effects. Professor Langley emphasized: “In a small proportion of people, aspirin can cause serious side effects, including bleeding or stomach ulcers.

“Professor Alan Melcher of the Cancer Research Institute, London, added that the side effects of aspirin” are not trivial, such as the bleeding of stomach. “

Man holding pill

Consultation with a doctor is essential before starting aspirin treatment

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Consultation with a doctor is essential before starting aspirin treatment.

Dr. Jie Yang of the University of Cambridge described the discovery as “a moment Eureka” when they found that Txa2 was activating the suppressor effect on T cells.

“Aspirin or other medications that could go to this route, have the potential to be less expensive than antibody -based therapies and, therefore, more accessible worldwide,” added Dr. Yang.

Tanya Hollands de Cancer Research UK said that more work is needed. She declared: “At this time, there are no national guidelines for the general population to take aspirine to prevent or treat cancer.”

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