Prostate cancer is a prevalent type of cancer in men, with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

While the prostate cancer survival rate is high, many men still die from this cancer, making it a significant public health concern. Researchers have been working to find ways to reduce the mortality rate of prostate cancer, with aspirin being one of the substances explored as a potential treatment or preventive measure for this cancer.

Many studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of aspirin in reducing prostate cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality in men with prostate cancer. This article aims to examine the available evidence on the effectiveness of aspirin in lowering the death risk from prostate cancer.

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been in use for over a century.

It is a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory medication that is commonly used to treat various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, arthritis, and fever. Aspirin works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain.

Besides its traditional uses, aspirin has been shown to have other therapeutic benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and cancer.

The Link between Aspirin and Prostate Cancer

Since the 1990s, studies have suggested that aspirin may have a protective effect against various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer.

In particular, researchers have been interested in the potential of aspirin in reducing the risk of advanced prostate cancer and prostate cancer mortality. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 1998 found that men who used aspirin regularly had a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer than non-users.

Another study published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2011 found that regular use of aspirin after prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality compared to non-users.

The Mechanism of Action of Aspirin in Prostate Cancer

The exact mechanism of how aspirin reduces the risk of prostate cancer progression and mortality is still not entirely clear. However, researchers have identified some potential pathways through which aspirin may exert its anticancer effects.

One mechanism is through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in inflammation and cancer development. COX-2 is overexpressed in various types of cancer, including prostate cancer, and its inhibition by aspirin might reduce cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

Aspirin has also been shown to activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which plays a role in cell metabolism and the regulation of cancer growth. Studies have suggested that AMPK activation by aspirin can lead to cancer cell death and reduced tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.

Studies on Aspirin and Prostate Cancer Mortality

Several studies have investigated the association between aspirin use and prostate cancer mortality.

A study published in the Journal of Urology in 2016 analyzed the data from two large cohorts of men with prostate cancer and found that regular use of aspirin after diagnosis was associated with a 39% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality. The same study also found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of overall mortality in men with prostate cancer.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2014 analyzed the data from a randomized trial of aspirin and vitamin E in prostate cancer patients and found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer progression and death, as well as a lower risk of cardiovascular events. These results suggest that aspirin may be an effective treatment option for men with prostate cancer.

The Risks and Benefits of Aspirin Use

While aspirin has been shown to have potential benefits in reducing prostate cancer mortality, it is not without risks. Aspirin use has been associated with several adverse effects, including bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers, and renal impairment.

The risk of bleeding is particularly concerning, especially in older adults and those with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Besides, aspirin may interact with other medications and increase the risk of bleeding or other adverse effects.

Therefore, the decision to use aspirin for prostate cancer prevention or treatment should be made after careful consideration of the risks and benefits and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a significant public health concern that affects millions of men worldwide.

While the survival rate of prostate cancer is high, many men still die from this cancer, making the search for effective treatment and prevention options a vital area of research. Studies on aspirin and prostate cancer mortality have shown promising results, with regular use of aspirin being associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality.

However, aspirin use is not without risks, and careful consideration of the benefits and risks should be made before initiating aspirin therapy for prostate cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of aspirin in prostate cancer and its potential as a therapeutic agent for this cancer.