Private MD News

Aspirin may benefit men being treated for prostate cancer

Category: Prostate

Men who have received a positive PSA test have many treatment options for dealing with their condition. However, the findings of a new study indicate that they are less likely to die from their condition regardless of whether they opt for radiation therapy or surgery if they take aspirin along with their treatment.

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center analyzed data from the Cancer of the Prostate Urological Research Endeavor to determine factors that might improve the survival rate in men whose cancer had not metastasized.

They found that men who were taking anticoagulant medications, such as aspirin, reduced their risk of dying from their disease within 10 years from 10 percent to 4 percent.

"Evidence has shown that anticoagulants may interfere with cancer growth and spread," said Kevin Choe, who led the study. "If the major effect of anticoagulants is preventing metastasis, this may be why previous clinical trials with anticoagulation medications produced mixed results, since most patients in these trials already had metastasis."

Choe said that further clinical trials specific to prostate cancer should be conducted.