Study: Vioxx May Help Prevent Development of Colon Polyps

Daily use of Vioxx (rofecoxib) may be a safe and effective way of preventing the development of colon polyps in patients with familial polyposis, according to Israeli researchers.

Familial polyposis is a relatively rate inherited condition in which large numbers of polyps develop on the inner lining of the colon and rectum. A person with familial polyposis, if left untreated, will invariably develop colorectal cancer.

In their study of eight patients with familial polyposis, the researchers treated the patients with 25 mg of Vioxx every day and performed sigmoidoscopies or colonoscopies at six-month intervals.

"A highly significant reduction in the rate of polyp formation (70 to100 percent) was observed in all patients," the researchers reported.

The patients, who had developed an average of 15.1 new polyps in the period prior to the start of the study, only had developed 1.6 new polyps in the period prior to their third checkup.

"No patient developed cancer or high-grade adenoma," the researchers reported in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences. "In conclusion, long-term use of rofecoxib is well tolerated and effective in inhibiting polyp formation in polyposis patients."

Other sources: Digestive Diseases and Sciences