News that aspirin can help stave off bowel cancer

Regular use of aspirin is known to lower a person’s risk of developing colon cancer, but the drug’s tumour-fighting properties haven’t been well understood... until now.

Aspirin blocks a key process linked to the formation of tumours and several diseases, according to new research by the University of Edinburgh.

The study focused on a structure found inside cells which is called the nucleolus.

Activation of the nucleolus is known to drive tumour formation and this dysfunction has also been linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

The researchers tested the effects of aspirin on cells grown in the lab and on tumour biopsies removed from colon cancer patients. They found that aspirin blocks a key molecule (TIF-IA), which is essential for the nucleolus to function.

Not all colon cancer patients respond to taking aspirin but the researchers say their findings could help pinpoint those most likely to benefit.

Aspirin has side effects that include internal bleeding and long-term use isn’t recommended. The researchers say the study paves the way for the development of new, safer therapies that mimic aspirin’s effects.

Dr Lesley Stark, of the Cancer Research centre at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We are really excited by these findings as they suggest a mechanism by which aspirin may act to prevent multiple diseases.

“A better understanding of how aspirin blocks TIF-IA and nucleolar activity provides great promise for the development of new treatments and targeted therapy.”