But an intriguing detail caught their attention: a specific molecule, called thromboxane A2 (TXA2), produced by blood platelets, seems to neutralize these T cells, preventing them from attacking tumours. This is where aspirin comes in. This medicine is known to inhibit the production of TXA2. In other words, it prevents immune cells from “deactivating themselves,” allowing them to continue attacking cancer cells before they spread.
Targeted action at the key time
Researchers found that cancer cells are particularly vulnerable when they leave the original tumour in an attempt to invade other organs. At this stage, they do not yet benefit from the protective “shield” that they develop later. So it is at this very moment that aspirin could play a crucial role in preventing their spread.
Previous studies had already suggested that taking low-dose aspirin (between 75 and 300 mg per day) would reduce the risk of metastases by 36% and reduce mortality by half in patients whose cancer is still localised. But until now, no one understood exactly why. Thanks to this new study, the mystery is becoming clearer.
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