Current State of the Art: Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are three primary modes of treatment available for colorectal cancer (CRC). Although different treatment options are available, the mortality rate in case of CRC is the second highest among other forms of cancer. Early detection and chemical prevention are two major strategies adopted to prevent CRC related deaths. Coxibs (selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors) have been used to reduce CRC related inflammation and spread of the disease.
Problem with the Current Art: Coxibs (rofecoxib and valdecoxib) showed significant recovery for CRC treatment but later were withdrawn from the market as certain Coxibs also led to increased risks of side effects, including stroke and cardiovascular events. Currently celecoxib, which is less potent than the other two, is the only coxib being used for CRC treatment. There is a current unmet need in this field to develop a new strategy to enhance the efficacy of coxibs and to reduce its side effects.
Advantage of the Invention: AU researchers came up with a pharmaceutical composition that enhanced the efficacy of Coxibs and eliminated its side effects.