Displaying items by tag: aspirin

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered how aspirin may help prevent cancer from spreading. Their research suggests that the drug enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by stopping platelets from suppressing T-cells, the body’s natural defence against cancer. When cancer cells break away from a tumour, they try to spread elsewhere in the body - a process called metastasis, which causes most cancer deaths. Normally, T-cells can destroy these wandering cancer cells. However, platelets, which help stop bleeding, interfere with T-cell activity, allowing cancer to spread. Aspirin appears to disrupt this process, restoring the immune system’s ability to attack cancer. While these findings are promising, scientists caution against self-medicating with aspirin, as it carries risks such as internal bleeding. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine which patients may benefit. Researchers hope this breakthrough will eventually lead to safer, more targeted treatments that mimic aspirin’s benefits without its risks.