A groundbreaking study suggests that a simple low-dose aspirin regimen could slash the risk of colon cancer returning by more than 50%—but only for a specific group of patients.
Researchers found that 160 mg of aspirin daily dramatically reduced cancer recurrence in colon cancer patients with PI3K gene mutations, a genetic marker found in about 30% of cases. Patients taking aspirin saw their recurrence risk drop to 7.7%, compared to 14.1% with a placebo.
Even more striking? Those with other PI3K mutations had a 58% lower risk of recurrence with aspirin use. Despite its potent benefits, serious side effects were rare, with only one case each of severe GI bleeding, brain bleeding, and an allergic reaction.