Aspirin use and melanoma: A UCLA pilot study

Aspirin as a chemopreventive agent for cutaneous melanoma: a literature review

Rising melanoma rates have spurred interest in preventive strategies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly aspirin, show potential in reducing cancer risks. NSAIDs act on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, impacting COX-2 associated with inflammation and cancer progression. This paper explores aspirin's role in cutaneous melanoma prevention, elucidating its mechanisms and acknowledging varying literature outcomes. Rather than providing conclusive recommendations, the review emphasizes the influence of individual factors, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on aspirin's complexities in melanoma prevention. A PubMed search using "Aspirin" AND "Cutaneous melanoma" yielded relevant English-language, peer-reviewed studies. Selection criteria focused exclusively on skin cancers, specifically cutaneous melanoma. Exclusions included studies covering various cancers, some non-dermatologic, and those not evaluating aspirin use independently but in conjunction with NSAIDs. The potential chemopreventive effects of aspirin and NSAIDs against melanoma have gained attention due to their association with a reduced risk of various cancers including gastric, colorectal, and breast. By inhibiting COX enzymes and the NF-κB pathway, these agents theoretically slow malignant cell activities, presenting a prospect for cancer prevention. Aspirin exhibits noteworthy effects, depleting growth-stimulating hormones, generating reactive oxygen species harmful to cancerous cells, and inhibiting COX-2 linked to cancer progression. Limited literature suggests survival benefits with aspirin use in stage II and III melanoma, possibly due to slowing disease progression, evident in smaller Breslow depths. Gender-specific responses to aspirin are notable, with some studies reporting a stronger chemopreventive correlation in females. It's crucial to note that geographic disparities, demographic cohorts, and individual-specific factors are confounding variables that may contribute to conflicting findings regarding aspirin's impact on melanoma. The association between aspirin use and melanoma risk is complex, with conflicting findings across diverse populations. Although it appears that more studies suggest a protective role for aspirin rather than not, evidence lacks consistency. Factors such as gender, geography, race, sun exposure, and health conditions play a role in shaping these varied outcomes, necessitating large-scale, prospective studies research and standardized parameters for more conclusive insights that may help guide tailored clinical strategies for melanoma prevention.

Acetylsalicylic Acid Exerts Potent Antitumor and Antiangiogenic Effects in Cutaneous and Uveal Melanoma Cell Lines

Introduction

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been investigated for a potential anticancer role in several cancers, such as colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Moreover, ASA has been shown to abrogate various processes that contribute to tumor growth and progression.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ASA on cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM).

Methods

Human CM and UM cells were treated with 5 mM ASA and assessed for changes in cellular functions. Antiangiogenic effects of ASA were determined using an ELISA-based assay for 10 proangiogenic cytokines, and then validated by Western blot. Finally, proteomic analysis of ASA-treated cells was performed to elucidate the changes that may be responsible for ASA-mediated effects in melanoma cells.

Results

Treatment with ASA significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities, and caused a significant decrease in angiogenin and PIGF secretion in both CM and UM. Mass spectrometry revealed 179 protein changes associated with ASA in the CM and UM cell lines.

Conclusions

These results suggest that ASA may be effective as an adjuvant therapy in metastatic CM and UM. Future studies are needed to determine the regulating targets that are responsible for the antitumor effects of ASA.