Arthritis Drug May Slow Polyps Leading to Colorectal Cancer

Researchers report that mice studies suggest that a COX-2 inhibitor drugs usually prescribed for arthritis may inhibit the growth of polyps that sometimes lead to colorectal cancer.

"Based on the success of the animal studies, we have begun clinical trials with rofecoxib in patients who are susceptible to different forms of colon cancer, Jillian Evans, director of the studies, said at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Francisco.

COX-2 inhibitor drugs are licensed in the U.S. to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

In mice genetically altered to be prone to polyps, the drug rofecoxib reduced all polyp formation by 55 percent and large polyp formations -- which are more apt to turn into cancer -- by 80 percent, said Evans.

Other sources: American Association for the Advancement of Science