New research indicates that controversial Cox-2 inhibitors may protect patients from developing colon cancer, especially in high-risk individuals. Celebrex is a Cox-2 inhibitor.

There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding Cox-2 inhibitors because of their cardiovascular risks. Cox-2 inhibitors are anti-inflammatory drugs (used for pain relief). They are safer for the stomach than most other pain relievers. Vioxx and Bextra were withdrawn from the market. The only Cox-2 inhibitor still available is Celebrex.

Two studies presented at the American Association for Cancer Research, Washington D.C., USA, indicate that these types of drugs may protect people from colon cancer.

APC Study

One study, called APC (Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib), included 2,000 patients who were high-risk (for developing colon cancer) - some of them were given either 200 or 400 milligrams of Celebrex, twice a day. Others were given a placebo.

One year and three years later the 2,000 patients underwent colonoscopies.

The scientists found that among the patients given Celebrex, the incidence of at least one benign tumor was 45% lower (than the placebo group). Also, the Celebrex group had a 65% lower chance of developing more serious conditions, such as invasive cancer. As the patients had a 100% to 200% higher chance of developing serious cardiovascular problems the study was stopped early.

PreSAP Study

This study, called Prevention of Colorectal Sporadic Adenomatous Polyps (PreSAP), examined how effective Celebrex might be in protecting patients from sporadic colorectal adenomas.

1,561 patients, selected randomly, were either given 400 milligrams of Celebrex, once a day, or a placebo. All the patients had undergone colorectal polyps removal (all of them). After a follow-up three years later, the Celebrex group had a significantly lower incidence of polyps when compared to the placebo group.

In both trials all participants were given aspirin.




View drug information on Bextra; Vioxx.