Most deaths from cancer are caused not by the original tumor but by metastasis—the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body. These migrating cells often form microscopic clusters that are too small for surgeons to see and remove.
To target these hidden cells, chemotherapy is typically used before or after surgery. However, chemotherapy can sometimes backfire by causing inflammation that encourages metastasis.
Researchers at Emory University have found a promising solution. An anti-inflammatory drug called ketorolac, if given before surgery, may help stop cancer cells from spreading. This approach appears to activate the immune system, enabling it to destroy metastatic cancer cells.
Previous observations in human breast cancer surgeries had suggested that ketorolac could reduce the risk of cancer spreading, but this study provides a clearer understanding of how it works.
Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is inexpensive and currently approved by the FDA for short-term pain relief.
While its use is limited due to potential side effects, the study demonstrated its powerful anti-metastatic effects in mice. The drug not only prevented cancer from spreading but also extended the survival of the animals.
The researchers went a step further by combining ketorolac with low-dose aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids, two substances known for their anti-inflammatory and health-promoting properties. This combination produced even better results, further increasing survival rates in the mice.
These findings offer hope for a new way to prevent cancer metastasis in humans.
By targeting inflammation and empowering the immune system, ketorolac could be a valuable addition to cancer treatment plans, especially in the critical period around surgery when the risk of metastasis is highest.
The researchers, led by Dr. Vikas P. Sukhatme, dean of the School of Medicine, are now exploring how ketorolac might be combined with other cancer therapies to improve outcomes.
Their work, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, highlights the potential of repurposing existing drugs like ketorolac for new medical uses.
If these findings are confirmed in human trials, they could lead to more effective strategies for preventing the spread of cancer. For patients undergoing surgery, this could mean a significant reduction in the risk of recurrence and a better chance at long-term survival.
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