A major Scandinavian trial has found that a low daily dose of aspirin can cut the risk of colorectal cancer returning after surgery by more than 50% in patients with specific genetic mutations.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute studied over 3,500 patients across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, with nearly 40% carrying PI3K pathway mutations linked to bowel cancer. Those given 160mg of aspirin daily for three years were far less likely to see their cancer return compared with patients on placebo.
Lead investigator Prof Anna Martling said the findings could change clinical practice, stressing the importance of genetic testing to identify patients who would benefit. Aspirin appears to work by reducing inflammation, disrupting the PI3K pathway and weakening blood platelets that help shield tumour cells.
While aspirin is inexpensive and widely available, long-term use carries risks. In the trial, some patients experienced serious side effects including bleeding and allergic reactions, and one possible aspirin-related fatality was recorded.
Experts hailed the results as promising but said larger studies are needed to confirm which patients should receive aspirin to improve survival and prevent cancer recurrence.
