As we start the 2018 Cancer week today over 300 volunteers from Ireland will participate in a new trial to test if aspirin can prevent cancer returning. 11,000 participants which will be the largest clinical trial in the world will be part of the Add-Aspirin trial, participants will have had treatment or be in the early stages of breast, stomach oesophagus or prostate cancer.
Aspirin as we all know is a painkiller, as well as prevention and treatment for heart disease and stroke. Studies so far have revealed some interesting side effects, Aspirin appears to either prevent the development of cancer or makes the early stages less likely to spread.
The trial will test if taking aspirin daily for five years after traditional cancer treatment can stop the cancer from returning. Participants will then be actively followed up for 10 more years after treatment.
Trials are being coordinated by the Cancer Trials Ireland group, and supported by the Irish Cancer Society and Health Research Board. Hospitals involved in the trials are located in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Sligo.