Aspirin demonstrates potential as a chemopreventive agent, particularly for colorectal cancer, though its use must be balanced against the risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.
Does aspirin reduce cancer incidence and mortality in individuals at risk for or diagnosed with cancer?
Aspirin shows potential as a chemopreventive agent, particularly for colorectal cancer, but its use must be individualized due to significant bleeding risks.
Aspirin, traditionally recognized for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antiplatelet effects, has recently attracted attention for its potential role in cancer prevention. Initially studied for cardiovascular disease prevention, emerging evidence suggests that aspirin may reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). This narrative review integrates findings from early studies, animal models, epidemiological data, and clinical trials to evaluate aspirin's efficacy as a chemopreventive agent. Aspirin's anticancer effects are primarily attributed to its cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme inhibition, which decreases prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels and disrupts cancer-related signaling pathways. While epidemiological studies support an association between aspirin use and reduced cancer incidence and mortality, especially for CRC and potentially for breast (BC) and prostate cancers (PCa), the risk of adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal (GI) and intracranial bleeding, complicates its use and warrants careful consideration. The decision to use aspirin for cancer prevention should be individualized, balancing its therapeutic benefits against potential adverse effects. It also underscores the necessity for further research to refine dosage guidelines, assess long-term impacts, and explore additional biomarkers to guide personalized cancer prevention strategies.
Durazo et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Cancer prevention. Aspirin vs. No aspirin was evaluated. Aspirin demonstrates potential as a chemopreventive agent, particularly for colorectal cancer, though its use must be balanced against the risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.