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.