New trial to investigate whether aspirin can stop cancers from returning

A new clinical trial has begun in the UK, involving around 11,000 patients who have had early breast, prostate, bowel, stomach and oesophageal cancer, to examine whether aspirin can prevent these cancers from returning.

The study, which is being funded by Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research, will involve patients taking a tablet every day for five years. Some patients will take different doses of aspirin and some will take placebo pills.

There has been some uncertainty over the drug’s possible anti-cancer properties, which has led to intense medical debate in recent years.

Cancer Research UK’s Dr Fiona Reddington, said “The trial is especially exciting as cancers that recur are often harder to treat, so finding a cheap and effective way to prevent this is potentially game-changing for patients.”

The trial will last up to 12 years and will involve patients who are either undergoing or have had treatment for the early stages of cancer.

However, scientists warn that aspirin should not be used without seeking medical advice. Taking the drug regularly can cause severe side effects, including ulcers and bleeding from the stomach, or the brain.

The trial’s lead investigator, Prof Ruth Langley, said “There’s been some interesting research suggesting that aspirin could delay or stop early stage cancers coming back, but there’s been no randomised trial to give clear proof.

“The trial aims to answer this question once and for all.

“If we find that aspirin does stop these cancers returning, it could change future treatment – providing a cheap and simple way to help stop cancer coming back and helping more people survive.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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