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The popular
arthritis drug Celebrex may have the potential to prevent
lung cancer, according to researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer
Center.
Researchers
have begun two studies to investigate whether the anti-inflammatory
drug can prevent lung cancer in people at high risk for developing
the disease.
The first
study includes lung cancer survivors who are at high risk
for recurrence or developing a new lung cancer. The second
study includes people who smoke and are at high risk of developing
lung cancer.
Celebrex
has been approved by the FDA for use in preventing colon cancer
in patients who are at high risk for the disease. Researchers
at UCLA have seen some evidence in mice that the drug may
also prove to be effective in preventing lung cancer.
"This
is the first time that Celebrex is being studied in humans
for the purpose of preventing lung cancer," said Dr.
Jenny Mao, lead researcher. "We have detected changes
in lung cancer cells at the molecular level that suggest a
favorable response in terms of prevention. Celebrex is considered
to be safer than aspirin, so Celebrex's safety profile further
enhances its promise as a preventive agent for lung cancer."
Source:
Medical Week staff,
week of August 5, 2001
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