LGH: The effect of aspirin on colorectal cancer may depend on the stage of the disease

Scandinavian researchers analyzed data from 428 patients who had been treated for colorectal cancer that had metastasized to the liver. After treatment, participants took either aspirin or a placebo daily for up to three years.

The results showed no reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death among those taking aspirin. However, serious adverse events, including bleeding, heart attacks, and ulcers, were more frequent in this group.

The findings differ from those of another recent clinical trial, which found that aspirin reduced the risk of recurrence in some patients with colorectal cancer that had not spread to distant organs.

According to one of the researchers, this may indicate that aspirin's anticancer effects depend on the characteristics of the disease and the clinical context.

“Aspirin's anticancer effects may depend on the biological and clinical context,” the researcher noted.

The authors emphasize that their study focused on a specific group of patients — those who began taking aspirin after treatment for colorectal cancer that had spread to the liver. Therefore, the findings cannot automatically be generalized to everyone with this diagnosis or to patients with other stages of the disease.

People who are already taking aspirin for other medical reasons are advised to consult their treating physician before making any changes to their medication regimen.