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Clinical activity of celecoxib in metastatic malignant melanoma
1British Columbia Cancer Agency and University of British Columbia, Division of Medical Oncology, Vancouver Island Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. KWilson@bccancer.bc.ca
Abstract:
Cyclo-oxygenase-2 has been demonstrated in primary and metastatic melanoma suggesting that it may have a functional role and be a potential therapeutic target. Celecoxib, which was approved by Health Canada for familial adenomatous polyposis coli, was offered to 27 patients with surgically incurable recurrent melanoma, 87 percent of whom had stage M1c disease. In this case series, 6 patients had received prior systemic therapy and one had prior CancerVax. Tumor regressions were seen in 7 patients (2 complete regressions, 2 partial regressions, and 3 mixed stable/partial response). For all patients, median overall survival time from first incurable metastasis was 31.9 months, and median times to progressive disease and death from start of celecoxib were 4.3 months and 10.4 months, respectively. Further clinical evaluation of celecoxib in melanoma is warranted.
Insights
Celecoxib showed promise in treating advanced melanoma by causing tumor regressions in some patients. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness as a melanoma therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is implicated in melanoma development and progression.
- COX-2 inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma.
Observation:
- A case series evaluated celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, in patients with surgically incurable, recurrent melanoma.
- Most patients had advanced disease (stage M1c) and some had prior therapies.
Findings:
- Tumor regressions were observed in 7 out of 27 patients treated with celecoxib.
- These regressions included complete, partial, and mixed responses.
- Median overall survival was 31.9 months from initial metastasis; median time to progression was 4.3 months.
Implications:
- Celecoxib demonstrates potential as a treatment for advanced melanoma.
- Further clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and establish celecoxib's role in melanoma treatment.
