Laboratory scientists explore Celebrex effects on cancer

Celebrex - the brand name of celecoxib - may be linked with preventing precancerous polyps in the colon, rectum and small intestine, laboratory scientists have claimed.

Researcher at the Rush University Medical Center proposed that the medication can prevent these growths in children who have an inheritable genetic disease called familial adenomatous polyposis.

The disease is rare, but sufferers have a 100 per cent lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer, with all cases having malignant tumours by the age of 40.

Previously, the standard preventative measure was to remove the colon surgically before the illness is advanced, although multiple operations are often required.

Dr Marc Brand, lead investigator on the study, said: "Any drug that can prevent the formation of polyps, or even reduce the number of polyps, would be a great help for these patients."

Laboratory scientists at the University of Gothenburg and Lund University recently announced that breast milk could help stop tumours from growing.