The role of aspirin in cancer treatment

Abstract

Aspirin has attracted attention for its potential to prevent cancer, especially for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Historically, aspirin can be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease because of its ability to irreversibly convert acetylcyclooxygenase (COX)-1, which inhibits platelet aggregation. In addition, aspirin can be also used to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, showing a good application for cancer treatment. The evolution of the role of aspirin is explored here, with a focus on the epidemiological and clinical evidence supporting its anticancer effects, where low-dose aspirin can reduce overall cancer incidence and mortality by 20-30%. Potential mechanisms of aspirin, including inhibition of platelet activation and inhibition of tumor-promoting pathways, are also discussed. Despite these findings, the use of aspirin must balance benefits with bleeding risk, especially in average-risk populations. Future studies should focus on determining the optimal dosing regimen and identifying the population that would benefit most from the cancer-preventive effects of aspirin.