title: Results of a pilot study of the effects of celecoxib on cancer cachexia in patients with cancer of the head, neck, and gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Animal models suggest that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors may be beneficial in suppressing cancer cachexia. We investigated the effect of short-course celecoxib on body composition, inflammation, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer cachexia in a phase II clinical pilot trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven cachectic patients with head and neck or gastrointestinal cancer were randomly assigned to receive placebo or celecoxib for 21 days while awaiting the initiation of cancer therapy. Body composition, resting energy expenditure, QOL, physical function, and inflammatory markers were measured on days 1 and 21.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients receiving celecoxib experienced statistically significant increases in weight and body mass index (BMI), while patients receiving placebo experienced weight loss and a decline in BMI. Patients receiving celecoxib also had increases in QOL scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cachectic patients receiving celecoxib gained weight, experienced increased BMI, and demonstrated improved QOL scores. Compliance was good and no adverse events were seen.
authors.affiliation: Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship, The Verne S. Caviness General Clinical Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Luther
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Richey
authors.forename: Hong J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Trinitia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cannon
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shores
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Couch
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D000068579:Celecoxib; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D016207:Cytokines; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D000068579:Celecoxib