Embargoed for Release Until: Sunday, October 17, 1999, 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Jeffrey Macdonald (202) 973-2903
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Jennifer Armstrong (202) 973-2930
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Promising Research Shows Effectiveness of COX-2 Inhibitors on Reducing Risk of Colon Cancer for Patients with Inherited Condition
Phoenix, AZ, October 18, 1999 -- Data presented at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) by researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reveal that celecoxib -- one of the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitors - is effective in reducing the number and size of colorectal polyps in patients with an inherited condition known as familial adenomatous polyposis or FAP. Patients with FAP can have hundreds or even thousands of colon polyps and are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer.
This randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study included 77 patients with FAP. Patients were randomized into treatment groups of 100 mg of celecoxib twice a day, 400 mg of celecoxib twice a day, or a placebo. Those taking 400 mg of celecoxib for 6 months experienced a reduction in the number, size, and overall colorectal polyp burden, defined as the sum of the polyp diameters. Moreover, there were fewer patients in this treatment group who experienced an increase in the number of colorectal polyps compared to those in the placebo group.
Researchers Gideon Steinbach, M.D. and Bernard Levin, M.D. concluded that these findings are "consistent with celecoxib exerting effects on both regression and prevention of polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis." This research was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute and G.D. Searle & Co.
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The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. For more information, visit ACG's website: www.acg.gi.org.
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