Colon Polyp Prevention Study

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer that affects men and women in the United States. Among the tumors that affect humans, colon cancer is unique because it is usually preceded by a clearly identifiable, asymptomatic precursor growth known as an adenomatous polyp. Identification and removal of these pre-malignant polyps can prevent the development of colon cancer. This is the rationale for using endoscopy to identify and remove colonic polyps. That said, it would be useful if medications were developed that inhibit the formation of colorectal polyps. This is the basis for the Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib (APC) trial.

Epidemiologic studies suggest that individuals who regularly use aspirin and other  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are at reduced risk of developing colonic polyps and cancer. However, long-term use of these drugs is associated with complications that include peptic ulcer disease. Recently, selective COX-2 inhibitors have been developed. Celecoxib is more selective in its mechanism of action than aspirin or other NSAIDs. Celecoxib may be safer than traditional NSAIDs although this remains to be proven.

Celecoxib protects against colorectal tumors in experimental animals. Treatment with celecoxib also reduced the colorectal polyp burden in patients with a genetic condition known as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). As a result of this human study, celecoxib was approved by the FDA as adjunctive therapy in patients with FAP. The goal of the current trial is to determine whether celecoxib can prevent the recurrence of sporadic colorectal adenomas.

If you have had an adenomatous polyp of the colon/rectum removed during the past 24 weeks and are potentially interested in participating in this study, please contact:

Jennifer Boroff  (212) 794-4900 ext. 106
NewYork-Presbyterian Cornell Campus
Kevin Bukowski (212) 305-3224
NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia Campus