A new study has revealed the power of aspirin in counteracting the spread of tumor metastases by acting on the platelets and reducing the production of thrombossano A2 (TXA2)
A Study of the University of Cambridge brought to light an interesting discovery: aspirin could strengthen the ability of the immune system of counteract the spread of tumor metastases. This research, published on Naturehas shown that the common anti -inflammatory drug could help immune cells identify and more effectively destroy cancer cells that spread to the body.
The team, led by the scientist Rahul Roychoudhuri, observed the effects of aspirin in different types of cancer, including melanoma, breast and colon carcinoma. The results indicate that the animals treated with the drug had one significant reduction in metastase formation compared to those not subject to treatment.
So far numerous epidemiological studies have already highlighted a link between the regular use of aspirin and a lower incidence of metastases in oncological patients. However, the reason for this correlation was not yet clear. The new research has made it possible to identify the mechanism behind this phenomenon: the drug It acts on the platelets, reducing the production of trombossano A2 (TXA2)a molecule that contributes to blood coagulation but which, at the same time, compromises the function of immune cells.
How the immune response takes place
In particular the TXA2 Activate a protein called arhgef1 which interferes with the action of T cellsfundamental for the recognition and elimination of cancer cells in circulation. By inhibiting the production of this molecule, the aspirin restores the effectiveness of the immune response, allowing a more timely intervention against the spread of cancer.
The authors of the research underline that this discovery could open New roads for the development of treatments combined with immunotherapyimproving the possibilities of counteracting metastatic progression in patients at risk. However, despite the promising results, the indiscriminate use of aspirin is not recommended without medical supervision. Its effect, in fact, may vary according to the type of cancer and patient conditions.
Future studies will have to deepen the effectiveness of this clinical approach, evaluating the potential benefit of aspirin in preventing tumor recurrence. If confirmed, these results could represent an important step towards more accessible and effective therapies against metastatic cancer.
