Modulation of Prostate Cancer Cell Behavior Through Acetylsalicylic Acid-Treated Prostate Epithelial Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium

Abstract

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin), derived from salicylic acid in willow bark, is known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet properties. Beyond cardiovascular protection, increasing evidence suggests that ASA may reduce the risk of various cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer. In this study, the effect of ASA-treated prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1) on the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells was investigated. RWPE-1 cells were exposed to different ASA concentrations, and non-toxic concentrations were selected. Conditioned media (CM) from untreated and ASA-treated RWPE-1 cells were applied to PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while migration was evaluated using the wound-healing assay, and colony formation was also assessed. ASA at 50 μM showed no cytotoxic effect on RWPE-1 cells, while CM1 (ASA 50 μM) reduced PC-3 cell viability to 60%. Moreover, CM1 (ASA 50 μM) and CM2 (ASA 25 μM) significantly inhibited PC-3 cell migration. Comparing CM groups revealed that ASA exposure alters the secretome of prostate epithelial cells, thereby reducing cancer cell viability and motility. These findings suggest that ASA may serve as a promising chemopreventive and therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.