I recently read a report about the use of anti-inflammatory medicine in the treatment of skin cancer. Would you please elaborate on this subject?

A recent paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed some preliminary research suggesting that the painkiller celecoxib (Celebrex) may help prevent nonmelanoma skin cancers. the researchers cautioned that the results should be considered preliminary. Of note, the FDA stopped the study earlier than planned because another study found an increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with rofecoxib (Vioxx), a medication from the same class as celecoxib. While there may be some benefit to celcoxib in reducing nonmelanoma skin cancers, further studies are needed to elaborate upon this benefit and determine if there is a risk of cardiovascular events when using celecoxib.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.