This observation has later been confirmed in several publications. A protection against carcinomas in other organs, such as lungs and breast, have also been suggested recently. In a mouse model of this disease, COX-2 inhibition acted both prophylactically and therapeutically and prevented transformation to carcinomas. A component of inflammation is present in the Alzheimer plaque lesion, and COX-2 induction is likely. In one controlle, short-term study, indomethacin seemed to prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Anecdotal evidence claims that glucocorticoids have a similar effect.
Based on these preliminary but exciting data, larger controlled studies are now in progress. Celecoxib and refocoxib are, according to presented evidence, as effective as symptomatic drugs in OA and RA, with a potency as good as that of recommended doses of naproxen and diclofenac. These effects are achieved without inhibition of COX-1 activity. Gastrointestinal toxicity is also markedly reduced in available studies, most of which are still not published as full papers. The potential market is large, and new indications in cancer prevention and Alzheimer's disease and perhaps other conditions with injuries where COX-2 expression contributes to pathology are good candidates for therapeutic trials.