Why has the National Cancer Institute been using COX-2 inhibitors in clinical trials?
Numerous compounds are examined by the NCI for their potential to prevent or treat cancer. One class of compounds, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, is currently being tested in both prevention and treatment clinical trials. According to NCI’s Web site, epidemiologic studies have shown that people who regularly take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as aspirin and ibuprofen — to treat conditions like arthritis have lower rates of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer and death due to colorectal cancer. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are produced by the body when there is inflammation and are also produced by precancerous tissues. Inhibition of COX-2 may help treat and prevent cancer. Q: Have the cancer studies been successful? A: It’s too soon to tell. A study of Celebrex in people with a precancerous condition called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has shown positive results. According to NCI, patients with FAP develop hundreds to thousands of prec
