Aspirin’s Role in Stopping Colorectal Cancer Progression

Approximately 29 million people in the US regularly take aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease. Despite concerns about increased bleeding risks with age, recent findings suggest aspirin could also boost the immune system to combat certain cancers.

Recent studies have indicated that consistent, long-term use of low-dose aspirin may improve outcomes for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

However, the specific reason for aspirin’s targeted impact on CRC growth and spread has remained unclear, and collecting long-term data on its effects has posed challenges for researchers.

Harvard Study Highlights Aspirin’s Potential in Preventing Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancers

A previous study led by Harvard revealed that regular aspirin use could potentially prevent nearly 11% of colorectal cancers and 8% of gastrointestinal cancers diagnosed annually in the US.

Italian researchers further investigated this by examining the clinical and pathological records of colorectal cancer patients treated at the Chirurgia Generale Unit in Padova, Italy, between 2015 and 2019. Out of 238 patients studied, 31 (13%) were regular aspirin users, taking 100 mg of the drug daily.

These patients, referred to as the METACCRE cohort, underwent histology analysis focusing on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), immunochemistry, and mutation data. A subgroup, known as the IMMUNOREACT1 cohort, concentrated specifically on immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

In essence, the research revealed that regular aspirin intake seemed to reduce cancer spread and increase the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes—immune cells capable of identifying and destroying cancer cells.

Enhanced Immune Response

Among the IMMUNOREACT1 subgroup of 130 patients (14 of whom were aspirin users), those taking aspirin exhibited significantly higher levels of epithelial CD80, a protein vital for activating anti-cancer immune cells.

Dr. Marco Scarpa, the principal investigator from the University of Padova, commented, “Our study reveals an additional mechanism for aspirin’s cancer prevention or treatment beyond its known anti-inflammatory effects.”

Notably, the IMMUNOREACT1 subgroup was chosen because rectal tissue is least affected by aspirin compared to CRC. The positive findings in healthy rectal mucosa indicate that even with aspirin’s limited bioavailability, a similar immune response seems to occur.

Patients taking aspirin showed a reduced neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, which is beneficial for lowering morbidity and enhancing cancer treatment outcomes.

A Preventive Measure and Potential Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

Although we don’t fully understand the exact mechanisms, aspirin appears to enhance the immune system’s capability to detect and fight CRC cells. This could potentially make it useful both as a preventive measure and as an immunotherapy tool in cancer care.

This discovery may prompt researchers to reevaluate how they deliver aspirin to ensure targeted effectiveness.

Dr. Scarpa noted, “Aspirin is primarily absorbed in the colon through passive diffusion. Its absorption is concentration-dependent along the bowel, and the rectum may have lower concentrations of orally administered aspirin compared to other parts of the colon. To harness its anti-colorectal cancer effects, we need to explore ways to ensure aspirin reaches the colorectal region in sufficient doses to be impactful.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Also Read: Study Finds no Evidence that an Aspirin a Day Lowers Risk of Fractures in Healthy Older People