13-cis-retinoic acid + celecoxib

This drug is a combination of 13-cis-retinoic acid (also known as isotretinoin or Accutane), a vitamin A analog with differentiation-inducing properties, and celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The combination has been investigated primarily for the treatment of recurrent or progressive glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Mechanistically, 13-cis-retinoic acid promotes cellular differentiation and may inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Celecoxib inhibits COX-2-mediated prostaglandin synthesis involved in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Preclinical studies suggested potential anticancer effects for both agents; however, clinical trials have shown that the combination does not provide significant benefit over 13-cis-retinoic acid alone in GBM patients. The toxicity profile was unremarkable in clinical studies[1][2].

Other names

13-cis-retinoic acid and celecoxibisotretinoin and celecoxibAccutane and Celebrex