Aspirin Supports Immune System in Detecting and Targeting Cancer [Study]

Aspirin, a painkiller, has been used in fighting cancer. While researchers are still baffled by how they work in preventing cancer, it seems that they are closer to finding the answer.

Aspirin Supports Immune System Against Cancer

In a new study, researchers from Italy discovered that aspirin supports our immune system. Apparently, it helps detect and target cancer cells. This could be the reason why previous studies claim it has anti-cancer properties.

"Our study shows a complementary mechanism of cancer prevention or therapy with aspirin besides its classical drug mechanism involving inhibition of inflammation," said lead author Marco Scarpa of the University of Padova in a statement.

To arrive at these findings, the researchers collected tissue samples from 238 individuals who underwent colon cancer surgery between 2015 and 2019. Twelve percent of these patients were habitual aspirin users.

Tissue samples from aspirin-using patients revealed higher immune cell infiltration into these tumors and less cancer spread to lymph nodes, important checkpoints for the immune system throughout the body. These findings suggest that the immune system was more effective in combating cancer.

The group then looked into the potential effects of aspirin exposure on immune cells linked to colorectal cancer in a lab setting. Higher levels of activation and an improved ability to notify other immune cells of the growing tumor were displayed by the exposed immune cells.

It's currently unknown how much aspirin is needed to see these results, and further research is needed to see whether this intervention could be effective in a clinical environment. These findings, however, provide intriguing new information on the possible function of aspirin in boosting the immune system against colorectal malignancies and possibly other cancer types in the future.

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What Is Aspirin?

Aspirin is used to treat mild to moderate pain from illnesses such as headaches, toothaches, muscle pains, and common colds. It also lowers the temperature. It can also be used to lessen swelling and pain in ailments like arthritis.

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) and a salicylate. It reduces pain and swelling by obstructing a specific natural chemical in your body.

Aspirin can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Common applications include fever reduction, edema reduction, and headache relief.

When used regularly, aspirin can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals, such as a heart attack or stroke. After a heart attack, doctors may give aspirin right away to stop further clots and damage to the heart tissue.

When taking aspirin for self-treatment, make sure to adhere to all instructions on the product package. See your physician or pharmacist if you have any queries. If you have been prescribed this medication by your doctor, follow their instructions.

Use this drug orally. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, sip a full glass of water -- eight ounces, or 240 milliliters -- while taking it. When using this medication, wait at least 10 minutes before lying down. If you experience an upset stomach while taking this medication, you can take it with milk or food.