Scientists believe they have discovered how the cheap painkiller aspirin can stop cancers spreading. In animal experiments they showed the drug enhanced the ability of the immune system to fight back. The team at the University of Cambridge said it was an exciting and surprise discovery that could eventually lead to cancer patients being prescribed the drug - but not yet and people are advised against just taking the pills themselves. Regular aspirin comes with risks and trials are still trying to figure out which patients are most likely to benefit.

Scientists have discovered how aspirin may stop some cancers from spreading, describing it as a "Eureka moment". The new research builds on existing evidence suggesting aspirin supports a boost in the immune system to help catch deadly cancer cells. Clinical trials in cancer patients, examining how aspirin could stop the disease coming back, are ongoing - but experts warn against routinely taking aspirin without speaking to a doctor.

Taking a common over-the-counter pain reliever could help keep certain cancers from spreading. That’s according to a new study from the University of Cambridge, which found that aspirin could reduce cancer metastatis (spread) by stimulating participants’ immune systems. The findings were published in the journal Nature on March 5. In mouse models, scientists discovered that a certain protein called ARHGEF1 suppresses T-cells, which are immune cells that can pinpoint and attack individual cancer cells that break away from original tumors, according to a press release.

Previous studies have hinted that the over-the-counter drug may lower the risk of getting some cancers, stop them metastasising and even prevent death. British scientists have found that aspirin plays a crucial role in keeping immune cells called T cells active so they can fight off cancer spread.

Common pill could help combat cancer as scientists make eye-opening discovery. Previous research has found that patients taking a daily low dose of aspirin seemed less likely to see their disease spread. Scientists at Cambridge University have had a 'Eureka moment', as they have discovered that the answer may lie in the drug's effect on immune cells.