Celebrex Has 'No Role' Against Colon Cancer

It helps prevent polyps but doubles users' heart dangers, two studies find

By E.J. Mundell
HealthDay Reporter

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WEDNESDAY, Aug. 30 (HealthDay News) -- The final word on whether the cox-2 painkiller Celebrex might be used to prevent colon cancer is a definite "no," according to the long-awaited results of two major studies.

Both of the three-year trials found that the drug reduced the occurrence of precancerous polyps called adenomas in people at risk for colon cancer, but it more than doubled patients' risk for heart attack and other serious cardiovascular events.

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"The message is that celecoxib [Celebrex] has no role as a chemotherapeutic agent -- in people with adenomas or in people among the general population. The risks far exceed the potential benefits," said Dr. Bruce Psaty, a professor of medicine, epidemiology and health services at the University of Washington, Seattle.

Psaty co-authored an editorial on the two studies, both of which were expected to be published in the Aug. 31 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Both studies received funding from Pfizer Inc., the maker of Celebrex.

Cox-2 inhibitors are part of a class of analgesics called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which also include widely used medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve). Prescription medications such as Celebrex were originally developed because they are safer on the stomach than other NSAIDs.

However, Celebrex is the only cox-2 inhibitor left on the market. Two other related drugs -- Vioxx and Bextra -- were withdrawn in 2004 and 2005, respectively, following reports of heightened cardiovascular risks.

As mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Celebrex now carries a special "black box" warning that advises consumers of the potential heart dangers.

Cox-2 inhibitors work by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are produced by the body in response to inflammation and are also produced in precancerous tissues.

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