Aspirin In A Small Dose Can Fight Cancer [Study]

Aspirin is a common drug, generally used to treat pain, fever, inflammation and act as a blood thinner that can prevent clot formation. This tiny drug, which is also prescribed to hinder heart attack and stroke can even fight cancer.

The researchers from Veterans Affair (VA) are in the process of analysis on cancer cell suppression ability of aspirin. They believe that the function of this drug in preventing platelets clumping has something to do with inflammation.

This theory has been tested on lab using mice and platelet culture. The study is to provide potential explanation of aspirin effects on platelets, Science Daily reported. Platelets are significant not just in clot formation but also function in forming new blood vessels.

The research team is currently looking on the capacity of aspirin to impede new formation of blood vessels that supports tumor's growth. This abnormal tissue growth obtains nutrients from blood vessels.  

The researchers conducted lab tests, and they found out aspirin shuts down the COX-1 enzyme. This enzyme is relevant in the new production of platelets. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the scientists used both regular aspirin and special kind of aspirin.

The special aspirin contains phosphatidylcholine, which is a form of fat molecules. It is said to be tougher to fight off cancer tumors than typical aspirin. This exceptional type of aspirin has been manufactured to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, which is a common side effect of aspirin.

Basing on the tests done, the result so far exhibited that a minimal dose of aspirin can work efficiently against cancer. The team also wants to discover if the special aspirin can provide a stronger effect against human cancer. 

The team led by Dr. Lenard Lichtenberger is planning to try out soon the effect of special aspirin to manage colorectal cancer. He is also a professor of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology at the University Of Texas Health Science Center.