Scientists have identified a potential mechanism by which aspirin may inhibit cancer metastasis. Research suggests aspirin's anti-inflammatory effects disrupt the communication between cancer cells and platelets, which normally help cancer cells travel through the bloodstream and establish secondary tumors. By blocking a specific pathway involving the protein HMGB1, aspirin prevents platelets from shielding cancer cells from the immune system and supporting their survival in new locations. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments or more effective use of aspirin for cancer prevention, though further research is needed.
Teen drug use, including alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, has dropped to its lowest levels in decades, defying expert predictions. The Monitoring the Future survey found significant declines across most substances, with vaping being a notable exception, though even there, daily nicotine vaping saw a decrease. Researchers are uncertain about the causes of this sustained decline, speculating about factors like increased awareness of risks, changing social norms, and the impact of the pandemic.
Hacker News users discussed potential reasons for the decline in teen drug use, questioning the methodology of the survey and suggesting alternative explanations. Some attributed it to increased awareness of long-term health risks, while others pointed to the rise of vaping and readily available legal marijuana as substitutes. Several commenters questioned the survey's accuracy, speculating that teens may be less honest due to changing social norms or fear of repercussions. The accessibility of online pornography was also raised as a potential contributing factor, occupying time and interest that might otherwise be spent on substance use. A few cautioned against premature celebration, emphasizing the need for continued focus on mental health and support for struggling teens. Finally, some comments highlighted the importance of nuanced interpretation, acknowledging potential regional and demographic variations in drug use trends.
Summary of Comments ( 17 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43279147
HN commenters discuss the limitations of the study, pointing out that it's in mice, a small sample size, and doesn't establish causation. Some express skepticism about the reporting, noting that the BBC article doesn't mention the specific cancer types studied or the dose of aspirin used. Others raise concerns about the potential side effects of long-term aspirin use, like gastrointestinal bleeding. A few commenters offer alternative explanations for the observed effect, such as aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties. Several highlight the need for human trials to confirm these findings and determine safe and effective dosages. Finally, some express cautious optimism about the potential of repurposing existing drugs like aspirin for cancer treatment.
The Hacker News post "Scientists crack how aspirin might stop cancers from spreading" (linking to a BBC article on the subject) has generated several comments discussing the research and its implications.
Several commenters express cautious optimism about the findings. One points out the complexity of cancer and the difficulty of finding universally effective treatments, highlighting that the research is still early and further investigation is needed. Another echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the long road from laboratory discoveries to clinically effective therapies. They suggest that while the mechanism identified is promising, it doesn't guarantee a readily translatable treatment. One commenter questions the novelty of the findings, mentioning previous research linking aspirin to reduced cancer risk and suggesting this new study merely clarifies the mechanism.
Some discuss the practical implications of using aspirin as a cancer treatment. One commenter mentions potential side effects of long-term aspirin use, particularly gastrointestinal issues, cautioning against widespread preventative use without further research. Another highlights the potential for personalized medicine, suggesting that this research could help identify individuals who would benefit most from aspirin therapy, minimizing risks while maximizing effectiveness. There's also a discussion about the dosage of aspirin needed for potential anti-cancer effects, with one user mentioning that low-dose aspirin is often recommended for cardiovascular health but might not be sufficient for cancer prevention.
A few comments delve into the scientific details of the study. One commenter questions the use of mouse models, expressing skepticism about their applicability to human cancer. Another discusses the role of platelets in cancer metastasis, linking to a relevant Wikipedia article and elaborating on the mechanism described in the BBC article. Another commenter discusses the complexities of clinical trials and the challenges of demonstrating a clear causal link between aspirin use and cancer prevention.
Finally, a few comments offer anecdotal evidence, with some sharing personal experiences or stories about relatives who used aspirin and experienced positive outcomes regarding cancer. However, others caution against relying on anecdotal evidence, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific studies.
Overall, the comments reflect a mix of hope, cautious skepticism, and a desire for further research. While the research is seen as promising, many commenters emphasize the need for further investigation and clinical trials before drawing definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing cancer spread. The comments also highlight the importance of considering potential side effects and the complexities of translating laboratory findings into effective treatments.