Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Preclinical studies suggest that aspirin or aspirin-derived compounds can increase cisplatin activity in some cancer models, including models of cisplatin resistance. But the evidence described here comes from laboratory and animal research, not established clinical benefit in people. It does not show that patients should take aspirin alongside chemotherapy.

What the lung-cancer study found

A 2020 study by Zhao, Wang, and Hui examined aspirin with cisplatin in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant H460 lung-cancer cells, and also described in vivo experiments. The authors reported reduced survival of resistant cells. In the cell experiments, they used 16 μM aspirin and/or 0.3 μg/mL cisplatin for 72 hours—laboratory conditions, not a human dose or treatment recommendation. Zhao, Wang, and Hui, 2020

The authors concluded that “stemness is a latent inhibitor of the resistance of lung cancer cisplatin-resistant cells and might be effectively inhibited by aspirin.” That conclusion describes their experimental model; it is not evidence that aspirin reverses cisplatin resistance in patients.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What other experimental models suggest

Colon cancer

A separate study reported that aspirin enhanced cisplatin-associated effects in colon-cancer cell and animal models. It investigated NF-κB binding at the COX-2 promoter, COX-2/PGE₂ signaling, apoptosis markers, and other pathways. These are mechanisms explored in that model, not a settled explanation for how patients might respond. Colon-cancer study, 2020

#1 Best Overall
HealthA2Z® Aspirin 325mg, Uncoated, Dye Free, Pain & Fever, 300 Count
  • Aspirin 325mg Original Strength: Each uncoated tablet contains 325mg of Aspirin, an OTC active ingredient used to temporarily relieve minor aches, pains, and reduce fever when used as directed.
  • Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer: Helps temporarily relieve headache, backache, muscle pain, minor arthritis, toothache, and common cold discomfort while reducing fever.
  • Uncoated DYE Free Tablet: Simple, uncoated tablets for straightforward OTC pain and fever relief without added coatings or fillers.
  • Dye Free Formula: Made without added coloring for individuals who prefer a dye-free pain reliever and fever reducer option.
  • 300-Count Value Bottle: Large count supply designed for long-lasting everyday pain and fever management, reducing the need for frequent reorders.

Ovarian cancer

A 2008 study tested NCX-4040, a nitric-oxide-releasing aspirin derivative, with cisplatin in ovarian-cancer cell lines and mouse xenografts. Its findings concern that engineered compound, not ordinary aspirin. NCX-4040 study, 2008

A 2024 study of resistant A2780 ovarian-cancer cells examined aspirin’s interaction with zeta-crystallin in relation to cisplatin sensitivity. This adds a model-specific mechanism to the experimental literature; it does not establish clinical benefit. Zeta-crystallin study, 2024

Rank #2
Sale
GeriCare Bottled Aspirin 325mg 100 Count Bottle (Pack of 1)
  • REGULAR STRENGTH 325mg ASPIRIN [NSAID]: The GeriCare aspirins offer 325mg of pure aspirin per tablet which is the optimal amount for everyday aches and pains. Just the recommended, regular-strength dose any adult or teenager can fully benefit from. [NSAID - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Compare to the active ingredient of Bayer Aspirin.]
  • PURE, UNCOATED ASPIRINS FOR FASTER ABSORPTION: Completely free of synthetic coating, flavorings, dyes or other fillers [we just use corn starch as a binder], our uncoated aspirin tablets make a safe choice for anyone, especially those who prefer a purer painkiller. Plus, non-coated aspirins are faster and easier absorbed than the coated ones for that immediate pain relief you long for.
  • EXTREMELY VERSATILE & EFFECTIVE FOR FEVER, PAINS & ACHES: Our aspirins for adults and kids aged 12+, work wonders on reducing fever and fighting the symptoms of common cold. They also offer temporary relief from headache, toothache, muscle pain, arthritis and period cramps while they can also provide great anti-inflammatory care for an array of conditions.
  • 100 & 1000 COUNT ASPIRIN BOTTLE TO LAST A LONG, LONG TIME: Our regular strength aspirins come in 2 bulk choices: bottle of 100 and bottle of 1000, so you may rest assured that you will not run out of aspirin pills anytime soon. Ideal for the whole family to use. DOSE: Take 1-2 tablets every 4 hours while symptoms last. Do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor.
  • WITH GERICARE’S SEAL OF EXCELLENCE: With 30 years of experience in creating the highest quality supplements and medical supplies that can make a true difference in your life, you have every good reason to trust GeriCare for your wellbeing. Our expert team of health professionals is always at your disposal for any questions you may have!

Why Asplatin and NCX-4040 are not ordinary aspirin

Some studies investigated chemically modified compounds rather than taking retail aspirin alongside cisplatin. Asplatin is an engineered platinum(IV) prodrug with aspirin ligated to a platinum compound. A 2016 study examined cellular responses and reported apoptosis-related changes involving BCL-2, BAX, BAK, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and caspase processing; an earlier 2014 report also described the compound in tumor-cell research. These findings cannot be treated as evidence for ordinary aspirin use. Asplatin study, 2016 Aspirin-platinum study, 2014

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

NCX-4040 is likewise an experimental aspirin derivative, designed to release nitric oxide. It is distinct from standard aspirin products, and results from it cannot be attributed to ordinary aspirin.

Rank #3
Globe Aspirin Tablets 325 mg, Single Use Packets, Pain Relief -100 Count
  • REGULAR STRENGTH 325mg ASPIRIN [NSAID]: Globe Aspirin offers 325mg of pure aspirin per tablet which is the optimal amount for everyday aches and pains. Just the recommended, regular-strength dose any adult or teenager can fully benefit from. NSAID - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Compare to the active ingredient of Bayer Aspirin.
  • EASY TO TAKE WITH YOU: Keep Globe Aspirin 325mg Packets in your secured medicine closet, first aid kit, car, camping bag, and even your travel carryon luggage. The convenience of these packets allows you to take them anywhere.
  • PAIN RELIEF: Use Aspirin to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, arthritis, toothache, backache, the common cold and menstrual cramps.
  • COMPARE TO: Globe Aspirin 325mg tablets are compared to Genuine Bayer Aspirin. Each Tablet contains Regular Strength Aspirin at 325 mg, offering a comparable formulation for pain relief and fever reduction at a much lower cost.
  • QUALITY: Manufactured in accordance with the highest pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and contains a NDC for 100% confidence. Made in the USA. Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA is a family business based in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA.

What the evidence does—and does not—establish

  • It suggests: Aspirin exposure or particular aspirin-derived compounds can increase cisplatin response in selected laboratory and animal models.
  • It does not establish: That aspirin is an effective way to overcome cisplatin resistance in patients, improves patient outcomes, or should be added to a cancer-treatment regimen.
  • It does not provide: A patient dose, a clinical comparison, or a single mechanism that applies across the different cancers and compounds studied.

The studies differ in cancer type, model, intervention, and measured outcome. Cell survival, signaling changes, apoptosis markers, and tumor responses in animals are not interchangeable with evidence of benefit to people receiving chemotherapy.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Should a patient take aspirin with cisplatin?

Do not start aspirin or change a prescribed medication based on these studies. Aspirin can carry clinically relevant risks and interact with other medicines, while the evidence summarized here does not establish a chemotherapy benefit in patients. Ask the treating oncology team before taking aspirin or any aspirin-derived product during cancer treatment.

Quick Recap

Best Value
First Aid Only SmartCompliance Aspirin Refill, 2/Packet, 10 Packets/Box
  • Relieves minor aches and pains.
  • Great for headaches, tooth aches and muscle aches.
  • Also effective as a fever reducer.
  • Convenient, single-serve packets.
Rank #4
Bayer Genuine Aspirin 325 mg, Coated Tablets for Headache Relief, Multi-Symptom Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, Pain Relief Tablets for Tooth and Muscle Pain, Backache, 300 Ct
  • 325 Mg Per Tablet: Each coated tablet of Genuine Bayer Aspirin contains 325 mg of aspirin (NSAID)* for effective headache and multi-symptom pain relief
  • Headache Relief: Provides proven headache relief so you can get back to your day with confidence
  • Multi-Symptom Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer: Relieves tooth pain, backache, muscle aches, menstrual pain, and minor arthritis pain, and also reduces fever
  • Easy to Swallow: Each pain relief tablet is coated for easy swallowing and is free of caffeine and sodium
  • Over 125 Years of Pain Relief: Bayer has been providing safe, effective pain relief for over a century when used as directed.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.