Aspirin Use Associated with Reduced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver-Related Mortality

In several experimental and clinical studies, aspirin use is associated with reduced progression of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Possible mechanisms include modulation of bioactive lipids, which is in line with recent evidence that statins might reduce HCC risk (NEJM JW Gastroenterol Oct 2019 and Ann Intern Med 2019;171:318).

To investigate this link further using detailed epidemiologic data, researchers conducted a propensity score–matched cohort study in Swedish residents with chronic hepatitis B or C infection diagnosed between 2005 and 2015. Data on use of low-dose aspirin (≤160 mg daily), liver-related mortality, incident HCC, and gastrointestinal bleeding came from national health registries and were prospecti…