Aspirin offers new hope to patients with head cancer

It has been shown that taking painkillers tripled survival rates (Image: getty)

The researchers studied the tumors of 75 patients with mutated versions of the PIK3CA gene. Those who used NSAIDs regularly for at least six months had a survival rate "significantly longer" than those who did not use them. The use of these drugs has raised the five-year survival rate from 25 to 78%, according to researchers at the University of California at San Francisco.

Patients without alteration of their gene did not benefit from taking NSAIDs.

The author of the study, Jennifer R. Grandis, said: "Our results suggest that the use of NSAIDs could significantly improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer, but also for patients with other cancers with the PIK3CA mutation.

"The magnitude of the apparent benefit is strong and could potentially have a positive impact on human health."

PIKC3A is the most commonly impaired gene in head and neck cancers, with 34% of patients with mutations.

More than a third of people with cancer of the head and neck could benefit from a common painkiller (Image: getty)

The researchers said that NSAIDs probably block tumor growth by reducing the production of an inflammatory molecule called prostaglandin E2.

Every year, head and neck cancers are diagnosed in more than 12,000 people in the UK and about 4,000 people die each year.

The main risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption and HPV infection.

Dr. Grandis added: "Inconsistencies in the type, timing and dosages of NSAIDs taken by patients in this study limit our ability to formulate specific therapeutic recommendations.

"But the magnitude of the apparent benefit, especially given the morbidity and mortality marked by this disease, deserves to be further investigated in the context of a clinical trial." Prospective Randomized. "

Justin Stebbing, professor of anticancer medicine and medical oncology at Imperial College London, said: "We know that inflammation is really important in cancer and can be used as part of the process. of propagation and growth of cancer cells.

"Studies on tumors of the colon, bad and others have shown that anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful in patients with cancers that carry certain mutations.

"This study on head and neck cancers goes further in this knowledge with anti-inflammatory drugs acting on two enzymes: COX and PI3K proteins.

"We have to wait for the results of future and ongoing studies to find out if patients should take these medications, when, how and at what dose."

"This is why the national Add-Aspirin study on all types of cancer is so important, because we measure survival in patients treated with aspirin or placebo to try to better understand the effects . "

The Add-Aspirin trial has recruited 11,000 people in the UK, Ireland and India to help determine whether use after treatment of cancer at an early stage can prevent its return .

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COMMENTARY by Philip Hobson

Aspirin has been used for many years as an effective medicine to relieve pain.

If you are suffering from severe headaches or a severe case of flu, then aspirin can really help you.

However, its benefits do not stop there. Scientists have found that a much lower dose of aspirin can also slow the blood clotting process by preventing the platelets from sticking to each other.

Scientists discovered that a low dose of aspirin could slow blood clotting (Image: getty)

People who have had a heart attack or stroke are often prescribed a small dose of aspirin daily, as this can significantly reduce their risk of a new heart attack or stroke.

The negative aspect of aspirin is that it can also slightly increase the risk of internal bleeding, such as gastric bleeding, and cause other side effects.

For people who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, this small risk is outweighed by the potential benefits of aspirin, which can save lives.

However, for healthy people, this is not the case. The UK guidelines recommend a daily aspirin only to people with heart disease and the circulatory system, as prescribed by a doctor.

Despite this, it has been reported that healthy people take aspirin to help prevent a heart attack or stroke without seeking the advice of a doctor beforehand. It could be dangerous.

We always encourage people to discuss taking aspirin with their GP or specialist in the first place.

For those who have been prescribed aspirin as a result of a heart attack or stroke, you should continue taking them daily and consult your doctor if you are worried .

It is important to follow the advice given with your medications. It is advisable to take aspirin with food to help reduce unwanted side effects such as heartburn or indigestion, which can cause symptoms of chest pain.

If you experience any side effects such as stomach upset, bruising, or excessive bleeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Philipa Hobson is a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation.