Aspirin could raise the chances of surviving aggressive form of breast cancer by up to 20 per cent
ASPIRIN could raise the chances of surviving an aggressive form of breast cancer by up to 20 per cent.
Scientists say the painkiller stops the disease making substances that weaken immune responses.
And a new trial will look at how that can increase the effectiveness of drugs, which boost the immune system.
Dr Anne Armstrong, of The Christie NHS Trust in Manchester, said: “Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin could hold the key to increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy when used at the same time.
“Trialling its use is exciting because it is so widely available and inexpensive to produce.”
The study — sponsored by charity Breast Cancer Now and Pfizer — could pave the way for urgently needed new treatments for the 8,000 UK women diagnosed each year with “triple negative” breast cancer.
It mainly affects younger women and black women.
Beth Bramall, from Hampshire, was diagnosed aged 42. She said: “Triple negative breast cancer is so scary.
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“It can spread undetected, there are few treatment options and a long and debilitating treatment plan. This research is really exciting.”
Dr Simon Vincent, director of research at Breast Cancer Now, said last night: “We urgently need to address the limited treatment options.”