NEWS

Celecoxib Trials Under Way

• In Boston, Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., is heading a phase III trial of patients diagnosed with adenomas who do not have a hereditary disease. Two dose levels of celecoxib will be compared with a placebo to see if the drug reduces recurrences; the trial will open at several other centers in early 2000.

• Patrick Lynch, M.D., at M. D. Anderson; Henry Lynch, M.D., at Creighton University in Omaha; and Ilan Kirsch, M.D., at NCI in Bethesda have an on-going phase I/II study of celecoxib in patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer syndrome. This trial is looking for insight into the biology of HNPCC and to determine the role of COX-2 in this disease.

• Elisabeth Iljas Heath, M.D., and Arlene Forastiere, M.D., at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, have a phase II trial of celecoxib in people with Barrett’s esophagus, a condition believed to be caused by acid reflux into the lower esophagus. This trial is due to open in March at Hopkins and three other locations.

• Anita Sabichi, M.D., at M. D. Anderson is heading a phase II/III trial of celecoxib versus placebo for people diagnosed with superficial bladder dysplasia or bladder cancer who are at high risk for recurrence.

• Elmets is heading a phase II/III study of celecoxib for people with actinic keratoses, a precursor to squamous cell skin cancer.

A sixth trial — a study of the use of celecoxib in men at risk for prostate cancer — is in development.



             
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