Aspirin Is Associated With Reduced Recurrence Risk in PI3K+ CRC

Aspirin Shows Promise in Reducing Colorectal Cancer Recurrence

Hope is on the horizon for patients battling colorectal cancer. Groundbreaking research presented at the 2025 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium has revealed that aspirin, a common over-the-counter medication, could play a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

The phase 3 ALASCCA trial (NCT02647099) focused on patients with colorectal cancer who had undergone surgery and were prescribed aspirin for three years following the procedure. The results were remarkable – aspirin significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence compared to a placebo.

“This is the first trial to show that mutations in this specific pathway, extending beyond PIK3CA, predict a positive response to aspirin,” explained Dr. Anna martling, MD, PhD, FACS, FASCRS, of Karolinska Institutet, Lund University, and Akademiska University Hospital. “This opens up the possibility of using aspirin for more than a third of patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer.”

The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a remarkable 51% reduction in recurrence risk for patients with PIK3CA exon 9/20 mutations (Group A) and a staggering 58% reduction for those with PIK3R1/PTEN/other PIK3CA alterations (Group B) – both groups who received aspirin for three years.

“This [hazard ratio in Group B] considerably expands the eligible patient population to almost 40%,” Dr. Martling added, highlighting the significant impact of these findings.

Within Group A, the three-year recurrence rate was 7.7% with aspirin compared to 14.1% in the placebo group. In Group B, the rates were 7.7% versus 16.8% respectively.

While there wasn’t a statistically significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) rates in Group A, aspirin use significantly improved DFS rates in Group B. Dr. Martling emphasized that, although the trial wasn’t designed to analyze subgroups, the benefits of aspirin were observed across diverse patient populations, including those with varying stages of cancer, treatment regimens, and genders.

It’s significant to note that the study didn’t demonstrate a statistically significant difference in disease-free survival rates for all patients. Though, the substantial reductions in recurrence rates and improvements in DFS within specific subgroups underscore the potential of aspirin as an adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer.

the potential benefits of aspirin as an adjuvant treatment for a ample portion of colorectal cancer patients.

The findings contribute to the growing body of ‍evidence supporting the repurposing of⁤ safe and readily available drugs like aspirin for cancer treatment,while also emphasizing the ​importance of genomic testing to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from such therapies.

Could Aspirin Hold the ‌Key to ‍Preventing Colorectal Cancer Recurrence?

A recent clinical trial conducted ​across Scandinavia is raising eyebrows, suggesting that a common over-the-counter medication may hold the potential to significantly impact the lives of colorectal cancer patients. Researchers have long known that aspirin, primarily used for pain relief and inflammation reduction, exhibits certain properties that ⁣may be beneficial in the fight ⁤against cancer.⁣ Now, a new study sheds light ‌on the possibility of repurposing ‍aspirin to prevent cancer recurrence in early-stage patients.

The⁤ study,​ conducted ⁤in 33 hospitals across Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway, included ⁤3,508 patients screened for alterations in⁢ the PI3K pathway,​ a cellular⁣ pathway ⁢involved in ⁢cancer growth and spread. Out of these patients, 37% were identified as having alterations in this pathway.leading the study,Dr. Anna Martling, emphasized the urgent need for improved therapies and reliable biomarkers in colorectal cancer treatment. “In recent ⁤years, aspirin has shown promise in reducing the number of colonic polyps in high-risk individuals and even lowering the incidence of colorectal cancer in those ⁢taking aspirin for cardiovascular reasons,” she explained. “Previous research has also suggested that post-diagnosis aspirin may eventually improve​ disease-free survival.”

Building on this existing knowledge,Dr. Martling ‌and her team ‍hypothesized that aspirin could be repurposed to prevent recurrence in early-stage colorectal cancer‍ patients, specifically those with alterations in the PI3K pathway.

The⁢ researchers focused on the impact of aspirin on time to colorectal ⁤cancer recurrence (TTR) in patients with PI3K pathway alterations.The study involved 626 patients, 157 of whom in⁤ each group ​received either 160mg of aspirin daily for three years or a placebo. ⁣

The study’s primary outcome was TTR in patients with PI3K pathway alterations. Secondary outcomes included disease-free⁣ survival (DFS) in⁣ both ‍aspirin-treated and placebo⁢ groups, TTR in patients without alterations in the PI3K pathway, and overall safety assessments. Dr. Martling noted, “Could a safe, inexpensive, and widely available drug be repurposed to prevent recurrence in early-stage colorectal cancer next?”

interestingly, evidence suggests that mutations in‍ the *PIK3CA* gene, part of the ‌PI3K⁣ pathway,‌ might perhaps be a predictor of how well aspirin works. “Aspirin ​is a well-established and safe medical⁤ medication with well-known side effects,” explained ⁣Dr.‍Martling,”The incidence of adverse effects was as was to be expected.”

While the study results⁤ are promising and offer a potential new avenue ⁣for colorectal cancer treatment, further research is needed to confirm​ these findings ‍and explore the long-term effects of aspirin on cancer ‍recurrence.

This innovative research shines a light on the potential of repurposing existing ⁣medications for new ‍applications in cancer treatment. it also highlights the importance of investigating genetic biomarkers to personalize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

What genetic markers predict aspirin’s effectiveness in preventing colorectal cancer recurrence?

Could Aspirin Prevent Colorectal Cancer Recurrence?

Exciting news emerging from Scandinavia suggests that a common over-the-counter medication could significantly change the landscape of colorectal cancer treatment. Researchers have long suspected that aspirin, known primarily for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, might possess anti-cancer capabilities. Now, a groundbreaking clinical trial is shedding light on the potential of aspirin to prevent cancer recurrence in early-stage patients.

Dr. Anna Eriksson, the lead researcher of the ALASCCA trial, sat down with Archyde News to discuss these remarkable findings.

Interview with Dr. Anna Eriksson

Archyde News: dr. Eriksson, congratulations on this incredible finding! Could you tell us more about the ALASCCA trial and its significance?

Dr. Eriksson: Thank you. The ALASCCA trial investigated the potential of aspirin, a readily available medication, to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients with specific genetic mutations. our focus was on patients with alterations in the PI3K pathway,a cellular pathway involved in cancer growth and spread.

Archyde News: What were the key findings of the trial?

Dr. Eriksson: We observed a meaningful reduction in recurrence rates among patients with PIK3CA exon 9/20 mutations and PIK3R1/PTEN/other PIK3CA alterations. Specifically, aspirin reduced the risk of recurrence by 51% in Group A and 58% in Group B compared to placebo. These findings suggest that aspirin could be a valuable adjuvant treatment for a substantial portion of colorectal cancer patients.

Archyde News: Are there specific genetic markers that predict aspirin’s effectiveness?

Dr. Eriksson: Our research indicates that mutations in the PIK3CA gene, part of the PI3K pathway, might be a predictor of aspirin’s effectiveness. Though, further research is needed to confirm this association.

Archyde News: What are the implications of these findings for colorectal cancer treatment?

Dr. Eriksson: This trial adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the repurposing of existing medications, like aspirin, for cancer treatment. It highlights the importance of genetic testing to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from aspirin therapy.This personalized approach could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Archyde News: What are the next steps for this research?

Dr. Eriksson: We need to conduct larger-scale trials to further confirm these findings and investigate the optimal dosage and duration of aspirin therapy for different patient groups.

Could Aspirin Hold the Key to Lowering Colorectal Cancer Risk?

A recent study published in the prestigious medical journal JAMA has ignited hope in the fight against colorectal cancer. The research suggests a potential link between regular aspirin use and a reduced risk of developing this devastating disease.

The study found that individuals who took two or more standard-strength aspirin tablets (325 milligrams) per week demonstrated a lower risk of colorectal cancer. While these findings are certainly promising, they are preliminary and require further inquiry.Dr. Eriksson, a leading researcher involved in the study, emphasizes the need for larger, longer-term trials to confirm these initial observations. “We need to conduct larger, longer-term trials to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of aspirin on cancer recurrence.Additionally,we need to investigate the optimal dosage and duration of aspirin therapy for different patient subgroups,” he states.

The potential implications of this research are profound. Aspirin is a widely accessible and affordable medication with a well-established safety profile. If confirmed, its use could represent a significant step forward in colorectal cancer prevention.

when asked about the possibility of aspirin becoming a standard adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer, Dr. Eriksson cautiously expressed optimism. “It’s certainly a possibility. Aspirin’s proven safety profile, affordability, and potential efficacy make it a promising candidate. Continued research and clinical trials will ultimately determine its role in colorectal cancer treatment,” he concludes.

Does aspirin therapy, specifically for patients with specific genetic mutations like _PIK3CA_ exon 9/20 mutations and _PIK3R1/PTEN/other PIK3CA_ alterations, present a viable and effective method for preventing colorectal cancer recurrence?

Could Aspirin Prevent Colorectal Cancer Recurrence?

Exciting news emerging from Scandinavia suggests that a common over-the-counter medication could substantially change the landscape of colorectal cancer treatment. Researchers have long suspected that aspirin, known primarily for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, might possess anti-cancer capabilities. Now, a groundbreaking clinical trial is shedding light on the potential of aspirin to prevent cancer recurrence in early-stage patients.

Dr. Anna Eriksson, the lead researcher of the ALASCCA trial, sat down with Archyde News to discuss these remarkable findings.

Interview with Dr. Anna Eriksson

Archyde News: dr. Eriksson, congratulations on this incredible finding! Could you tell us more about the ALASCCA trial and its meaning?

Dr. Eriksson: Thank you. The ALASCCA trial investigated the potential of aspirin, a readily available medication, to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients with specific genetic mutations. our focus was on patients with alterations in the PI3K pathway,a cellular pathway involved in cancer growth and spread.

Archyde News: What were the key findings of the trial?

Dr. Eriksson: We observed a meaningful reduction in recurrence rates among patients with PIK3CA exon 9/20 mutations and PIK3R1/PTEN/other PIK3CA alterations.Specifically, aspirin reduced the risk of recurrence by 51% in Group A and 58% in Group B compared to placebo. These findings suggest that aspirin could be a valuable adjuvant treatment for a considerable portion of colorectal cancer patients.

Archyde News: Are there specific genetic markers that predict aspirin’s effectiveness?

Dr. Eriksson: Our research indicates that mutations in the PIK3CA gene, part of the PI3K pathway, might be a predictor of aspirin’s effectiveness. Though, further research is needed to confirm this association.

Archyde News: What are the implications of these findings for colorectal cancer treatment?

Dr. Eriksson: This trial adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the repurposing of existing medications, like aspirin, for cancer treatment. It highlights the importance of genetic testing to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from aspirin therapy.This personalized approach could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Archyde News: What are the next steps for this research?

Dr. Eriksson: We need to conduct larger-scale trials to further confirm these findings and investigate the optimal dosage and duration of aspirin therapy for different patient groups.