Clinical trials for treatment of lung cancer with Celebrex resume

By Ramsay Crooks

Published on July 22, 2005

At the request of Pfizer, the maker of Celebrex, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the center had stopped testing on the drug last December until further data could be analyzed as concerns arose as to whether Celebrex increased long-term user's risk of heart disease and stroke.

FDA advisors have recommended that the studies continue and the National Cancer Institute agreed. New guidelines have been introduced to the study to reduce risks to participants. During the six-month trial, researchers will analyze participant's blood pressure and lipid counts. Patients with a history of strokes or heart attacks will not be allowed to participate.

"In looking at the data, we believe the potential benefit to the patient is greater than the risk, and we have ample safeguards in place to monitor patients even more closely than they are now. We continue to believe this drug has potential to reduce the risk of lung cancer and that is a tremendous opportunity not to be overlooked," said Jonathon M. Kurie, professor of thoracic/head and neck oncology at the University of Texas.

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