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The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (Celebrex) has been shown in a new study to substantially reduce the number of tumors certain skin cancer patients may develop over a lifetime. Specifically, patients who suffer from the rare Gorlin syndrome, also known as basal cell nevus syndrome, could benefit from the drug. Gorlin Syndrome is a rare genetic condition. The approximate prevalence is reported to be 1 case per 56,000-164,000 population. The study was published in the January 2010 issue of Cancer Prevention Research.
This phase II trial came after a promising lab study of mice demonstrated that pharmacologically blocking COX-2 with celecoxib reduced microscopic basal cell carcinoma burden by 30%, regardless of dose. The human trial randomized 60 patients with Gorlin syndrome into two groups: placebo or oral celecoxib (200 mg twice daily) for 24 months. The drug group experienced a 30% reduction in basal cell carcinoma burden (cumulative surface area) by 30% per year compared to placebo.
Although these findings are encouraging, there are several dangerous cardiovascular adverse reactions associated with celecoxib that would prohibit widespread or long-term use. Additional research using a different inhibitor may be warranted.