Results of a pilot study of the effects of celecoxib on cancer cachexia in patients with cancer of the head, neck, and gastrointestinal tract.
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.
Lai
Victor
V
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.
George
Jonathan
J
Richey
Luther
L
Kim
Hong J
HJ
Cannon
Trinitia
T
Shores
Carol
C
Couch
Marion
M
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*
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D016207:Cytokines; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D000068579:Celecoxib