Helen Rodman,
R.N., M.P.H.
Traditional colon cancer treatments
- surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation - are expensive, unpleasant,
and damage healthy tissue. How wonderful it would be to avoid
the need for cancer treatment by preventing malignancy in the
first place.
Chemoprevention refers to the
use of drugs or other substances to prevent the development
of cancer. Hundreds of possible chemopreventive compounds have
been identified, including man-made drugs and natural substances
found in food. Nutritional habits such as a high-fiber/low-fat
diet and getting moderate regular exercise may decrease the
risk of colon cancer. Clinical trials have shown that calcium
and commonly used anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin
and ibuprofen, may help block the formation of colon polyps,
which are thought to lead to colon cancer.
Under the guidance of the National
Cancer Institute's chemoprevention drug development program,
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is now conducting a colon cancer
prevention trial. This trial is for people known to carry mutations
in on of the genes associated with hereditary non-polyposis
colon cancer (HNPCC). The study is evaluating a drug called
celecoxib which is an anti-inflammatory drug similar to aspirin.
Researchers will evaluate whether or not this medicine prevents
the changes in colon tissue that may precede polyp formation.
This M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
study is building on knowledge already gained by previous scientists
searching for chemopreventive medicines. The insights revealed
by this clinical trial will lead us even further toward a future
in which cancer is stopped before it even begins.
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Study Announcement
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is currently conducting a Hereditary
Non-polyposis Colon Cancer Prevention Trial. Eligible persons
must have a known mutation in one of the genes known to
be involved with HNPCC, have at least half of their colon
intact, and be able to travel to Houston, Texas for two
or three surveillance colonoscopies. Travel and medical
expenses will be covered by the study. For more information
please call Nancy Viscofsky or Helen Rodman at (888) 862-9993.
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