Celebrex

Unleashing the Cancer-fighting Potential of Celebrex

Harnessing the power of a commonly prescribed pain-relief medication, Celebrex (Celecoxib), researchers are on the brink of novel anti-cancer breakthroughs. This FDA-approved drug, traditionally utilized for treating polyps in pre-colorectal cancer, has been revealed to exert a compelling impact on various cancer forms when administered in doses higher than those typically prescribed for pain management.

Celebrex has a unique dual-action approach against cancer. Firstly, it latches onto specific 'Death Receptor' sites on cancer cell membranes, triggering their self-destruction. Concurrently, it sensitizes both cancer cells and their progenitors—cancer stem cells—to chemotherapy, enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments.

A new era of cancer treatment with Celebrex

Researchers at Emory School of Medicine have shed light on the versatile role of Celebrex against lung, brain, prostate, and breast cancer (1). The primary mechanism of Celebrex's action against cancer starkly contrasts with its role in pain management. In fighting cancer, Celebrex targets a specific molecular ‘Keyhole’—dubbed the ‘Death Receptor'—on the cancer cell surface, leading to apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This drug repurposing strategy is a prominent example of the ongoing ReDO project's aims, which strives for repurposing existing drugs in oncology.

By incorporating a helper molecule named TRAIL, the researchers were able to magnify Celebrex's anti-cancer activity. They postulate that other molecules could enhance Celebrex's effects even further, suggesting that variants of Celebrex might manifest superior cancer-fighting benefits.

Turning the tide against Colorectal Cancer

Celebrex, in its fight against adenomatous polyposis—a precursor to colorectal cancer—has earned FDA approval. In a groundbreaking research study (2), Celebrex was found to reduce inflammation-causing COX-2 and shrink polyps by 39-46%. A cautionary note is the potential increase in cardiovascular complications, which warrants further study.

Additionally, research from the Scripps Research Institute revealed how Celebrex's COX-2 inhibitory effects can also decelerate cancer growth in pre-colorectal cancer conditions (3). Moreover, a comprehensive 2020 review of numerous studies highlighted the anti-angiogenic potential of Celebrex in colorectal cancer, brain cancer, and others (9).

Fighting Brain Tumors with Celebrex

As an anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor, Celebrex presents a promising alternative to the steroid Dexamethasone, which undesirably elevates blood sugar levels—counterproductive for brain cancer patients. Research from Duke University exhibited that Celebrex might extend the use of Temozolomide to non-methylating cancers due to its anti-glioma action.

Subsequent Australian research in 2018 echoed these findings, emphasizing Celebrex's pro-oxidant, cytotoxic properties, and its potential to enhance the responsiveness of metastatic cancer cells and cancer stem cells to chemotherapy drugs (8).

Expanding Horizons: Breast, Prostate, and Lung Cancer

A groundbreaking 2008 study from Rutgers Medical School combined cholesterol-lowering Lipitor with Celebrex, showing a promising anti-cancer effect in mice (5). Supported by Cancer Research UK, clinical trials on Celebrex's potential in reducing the recurrence of breast cancer were also underway. Additionally, research hinted that Celebrex might restrict the spread of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, a study demonstrated a reduced incidence of lung cancer in former smokers treated with Celebrex, attributing this to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Reassuringly, Celebrex's cardiovascular side effects are no more severe than those of Ibuprofen or Naproxen, as indicated by a 2016 PRECISION TRIAL (4).

Celebrex and Cancer

The tumor microenvironment is inundated with inflammatory cells that promote cancer cell growth, survival, and spread. Celebrex, a potent COX-2 inhibitor and NSAID, may limit this process. A 2019 review of clinical trials involving Celebrex in cancer treatment concluded, "Both preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated promising results of the role of celecoxib in the treatment and prevention of cancer" (7).

Given its profound potential, Celebrex is undoubtedly worth pursuing as a significant player in the future landscape of cancer therapy.

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/news/20041130/celebrex-makes-cancer-cells-self-destruct
2. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa061652
3. https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2016/05/21/0008-5472.CAN-15-1144.abstract
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnlamattina/2016/11/14/surprise-arthritis-drug-celebrex-shown-as-safe-as-ibuprofen-and-naproxen/#b02259b7a0cd
5. https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20080414/llipitor-celebrex-curb-prostate-cancer
6. https://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/canprevres/4/7/984.full.pdf
7. Celecoxib in Cancer Therapy and Prevention - Review; Natalia Tooczko-Iwaniuk et al; Curr Drug Targets; 2019;20(3):302-315.
8. NSAID celecoxib: a potent mitochondrial pro-oxidant cytotoxic agent sensitizing metastatic cancers and cancer stem cells to chemotherapy; Stephen John Ralph et al; Griffith University, Gold Coast
9. A journey of celecoxib from pain to cancer; Vol 147, April 2020; Prostaglandins and other Lipid mediators