Celebrex, generic name celecoxib, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is routinely used for its ability to treat pain. Its primary mechanism of action is to block an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). However, it is also a little-known anti-cancer agent.

Celebrex and Cancer

Celebrex has shown anti-cancer benefit in several studies, due to its COX-2 inhibition. This makes sense, because we know that the COX-2 enzyme is highly active in cancer, because cancer is an inflammatory disease.

It also turns out that Celebrex inhibits an enzyme known as monocarboxylate. This is important, since monocarboxylate is one method cancer cells use to excrete acid from inside the cell to the area outside the cancer cell. Blocking this acid pump, while simultaneously blocking other acid pumps on cancer cells, can be an effective strategy since cancer cells do not like acid and need to get rid of it to thrive.

In addition, studies have shown that Celebrex selectively affects DNA in cancer cells but not normal tissues. Moreover, Celebrex has been shown to be effective in relieving cancer-related pain, especially when that pain is due to bone metastases (cancer spread to bone).

The benefits of Celebrex in the treatment of cancer do not stop there. Celebrex enhances the effect of chemotherapy. It has also been shown to be synergistic with several natural compounds, including curcumin and green tea extract.

Celebrex is generally very well tolerated, and can be a valuable component in an anti-cancer protocol.