Washington– Blood thinners like that of aspirin can aid to fight cancer by preventing shelter to tumor cells that are wandering, a U.S. research team reported on Friday.

Experiments carried out on mice showed that using aspirin along with an experimental anti clotting drug reduced the rate of spread and growth of melanoma and breast tumors.

Blood contains cells known as platelets. These platelets feed and shelter the tumor cells in the bloodstream. This makes it easier for tumor to metastasize or spread, the research team said.

Inactivating the platelets can help to slow down or prevent the spread of tumor, the researchers wrote in the study published in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry.

This study could lend support to other findings, which show persons who take aspirin or other similar drugs that have an effect on a gene and protein known as COX-2, including ibuprofen, aspirin and Celebrex (COX-2 inhibitor), have a reduced risk of certain cancers.

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