Doctors surprised the strength of cheap drugs against colon cancer

Every year, nearly two million people around the world are diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer. Between 20 and 40 percent, the development of metastasis, which makes the disease more difficult to treat and more deadly.

Previous monitoring studies indicated that aspirin may reduce the risk of some cancers and perhaps also the risk of repetition after surgery in patients with colon and rectum mutations in the genes inside the PIK3 signal.

These genes regulate major cellular processes such as growth and division. When mutating, these processes can become unorganized, which leads to the proliferation of uncontrolled cells and the development of cancer. However, the previous results were inconsistent and did not confirm any random clinical experiences in the past. To treat this gap, the Alascca experience began and is now published in New England Magazine for Medicine.

The current study included more than 3,500 patients suffering from colon cancer from 33 hospitals in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Patients whose tumors showed a specific genetic mutation in the PIK3 signal path – a mutation in about 40 percent of patients – was randomly chosen to receive either 160 mg of aspirin daily or fake for three years after surgery.

For patients with a genetic mutation in the PIK3, the risk of repetition was reduced by 55 percent in those who received aspirin compared to the dictation group.

“Aspirin is tested here in a completely new context as a treatment for careful medicine. This is a clear example of how to use genetic information to customize the treatment and at the same time, save resources and suffering at the same time,” says the first author Anna Martling in the Molecular Medicine Department.

How does aspirin reduce the risk of repeating colon and rectal cancer? The researchers believe that the effect is likely due to the action of aspirin through several parallel mechanisms – it reduces inflammation, prevents platelets function and tumor growth. This mixture makes the environment less convenient for cancer.

“Although we do not fully understand all the molecular bonds, the results support the strength of the biological logical basis and indicate that the treatment may be particularly effective in the sub -groups specified genetically from patients,” says Anna Marteling.

Researchers believe that the results can be of global importance and affect the instructions of treatment for colon and rectum cancer all over the world. Anna Martling sees the fact that the drug is firmly as a major feature.

“Aspirin is an easily available drug in the world and is very expensive compared to many modern cancer medications, which is very positive,” says Anna Marteling.

The study was partially funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Cancer Society. The researchers state that there is no conflict of interests.

Facts: What is aspirin?

Aspirin is a drug that contains acetyl salicylic acid, a substance that relieves pain, fever and infections. It belongs to a group of non -steroidal anti -inflammatory (anti -inflammatory drugs). The effect usually occurs within 30 minutes. In low doses, it is also used to prevent blood clots.

Common side effects include stomach problems and an increase in bleeding. People with stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders or asthma should avoid aspirin. Aspirin is available on the meter in higher doses, but it should be used with caution, especially in conjunction with other light blood or alcohol factors.