Study finds that using aspirin boosts the immune system’s ability to fight colorectal cancer
A new study highlights the connection between daily aspirin use and reduced cancer risk, although conflicting research suggests the opposite effect in older individuals.
Does this imply that aspirin benefits certain age groups concerning cancer but not others? The answer is: perhaps.
Aspirin May Enhance Immunity in Cancer
- Less cancer spread to lymph nodes
- Increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (cells that combat cancer)
- Elevated CD80 protein in colorectal cells
- Enhanced CD80 protein in healthy tissue near the cancer
In a UP press release, the authors explained the significance of the heightened CD80 protein, indicating its role in stimulating defense cells against tumor-associated proteins in cancer cells and promoting immune surveillance in healthy cells.
However, scientific backing for aspirin’s preventative role in other cancers is not as robust.
Aspirin Might Accelerate Cancer Progression
Research trials on aspirin as a cancer preventive primarily involved younger individuals, as highlighted in the ASPREE trial. To explore aspirin’s effects in older adults, the trial followed 19,114 healthy individuals aged 70 and above for around 4.7 years, with a daily dose of 100 milligrams of aspirin. Despite the conclusive nature of the ACS study and prior findings, the ASPREE trial results warrant careful consideration.
The outcomes did not show a significant difference in cancer incidence between aspirin users and the placebo group. However, aspirin users faced a higher risk of advanced cancers and cancer-related deaths, especially in later stages. Authors of the trial concluded that aspirin usage might accelerate cancer progression in older adults.
Interpreting Divergent Results
Both investigations involved participants of similar ages, indicating somewhat contradictory conclusions. However, the focus differed, with the ACS study examining early cancer stages and the ASPREE trial focusing on later stages.
Dr. Scarpa clarified that the ACS study delved into local surveillance mechanisms mostly in early and locally advanced cancer stages, whereas the ASPREE trial studied overall survival effects.
Researchers speculated that immune surveillance mechanisms might work effectively in early cancer stages but diminish in later stages, where aspirin’s impact becomes secondary.
Cancer Progression in the Elderly
A 2020 review on aspirin as a cancer preventative recognized the ASPREE trial as pivotal, emphasizing concerns over aspirin use’s impact on older adults.
While the underlying reasons for aspirin potentially hastening cancer progression in the elderly remain unclear, age-related immunity changes are suspected to play a role.
Authors of the ASPREE trial suggested that aspirin might interfere with immune responses controlling cancer growth in older individuals, particularly those with compromised immunity. Age-related mutations in cancer genes are also associated with older adults.
Aspirin–Benefits vs. Risks
Due to aspirin’s associated risks, weighing them against benefits is crucial for individual considerations.
The ASPREE trial casts doubt on aspirin’s cancer prevention effects, especially in older adults, and the established risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, the authors do not recommend aspirin as a cancer preventative for individuals aged 70 and above.
As research lacks clarity on cancer biological effects in various age groups, prudent use of daily aspirin is advised, as indicated by the commentary authors.
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