Pfizer study suggests that Celebrex may stop tumor growth

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., April 3 - Pfizer said data from two studies of COX-2 inhibitor Celebrex (celecoxib) indicated that the drug helps stop the growth of precancerous polyps (adenomas) that can lead to colon cancer.

The investigational trials found that sustained, higher doses of Celebrex for almost three years reduce adenomas with the greatest benefit for those at highest risk of polyp recurrence, according to a news release.

Both trials enrolled patients who had already had precancerous colon polyps removed, the release said. They were about 60 years old, on average, at the start of the trial; the majority had cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, angina, previous heart attacks, strokes or were smokers.

In the first trial, 34 out of 100 patients on Celebrex 400 mg developed precancerous polyps over the three-year study period, compared with 49 out of 100 receiving a placebo.

In the second study, 42 out of 100 on the 400 mg dose and 37 out of 100 on the 800 mg dose of Celebrex developed precancerous polyps, compared with 61 out of 100 patients receiving a placebo.

Overall this represents up to a 45% reduction in the development of precancerous polyps.

Pfizer is an international pharmaceutical company with headquarters in New York.

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