Celecoxib for Prevention of Colorectal Polyps

Although risk for recurrent adenomas was lowered, this benefit might be outweighed by adverse cardiovascular effects.

Because cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in colorectal adenomatous polyps, selective inhibition of COX-2 potentially could prevent them. Two trials designed to test this theory — APPROVe with rofecoxib (Vioxx) and APC with celecoxib (Celebrex) — were halted in 2004, because COX-2 therapy was associated with increases in adverse cardiovascular events. Rofecoxib was removed from the market, but celecoxib still is available, and its effect on polyp prevention remains of interest. We now have the results of two large industry-sponsored randomized trials of celecoxib for prevention of adenomatous polyps; the trials included patients with recently removed colorectal adenomas, but excluded patients with familial polyposis.

In PreSAP, more …

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD