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Patient Perspective

Research Update
The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology is participating in several promising clinical trials aimed at preventing or regressing colorectal polyps. For more information on any of the studies mentioned below, please call Carol Burke, M.D., at 216/444-6864, or 1-800/223-2273, ext. 46864 (toll-free).

Aspirin and Folic Acid
Cleveland Clinic researchers and physicians are investigating the use of aspirin and folic acid (required for normal tissue formation, including cells that line the colon) to prevent sporadic colon polyps in patients who have already had polyps removed. Enrollment for this study is fulfilled.

Exisulind
We are currently enrolling pediatric patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) for this study.

Exisulind, a new drug developed by the pharmaceutical company Cell Pathways, is being studied nationwide in pediatric patients with FAP.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of exisulind in preventing and regressing colorectal polyps in pediatric patients with FAP. Twenty patients between the ages of 10 and 18 years will take exisulind orally for 12 months. They will have a colonoscopy at the start and finish of the study.

Cell Pathways has completed Phase 1 (the first step) of the study, which found the drug to be safe and well tolerated by the participants.

To be considered eligible, patients must have a diagnosis of FAP, be between the ages of 10 and 18, and have an intact colon. For more details about participating, call Cell Pathways at 800/545-3187, ext. 3849; on the Internet at www.cellpathways.com; or by E-mail at trials@cellpathways.com

The Cleveland Clinic and Cell Pathways are currently conducting similar studies in adults with FAP to demonstrate the effectiveness of exisulind to cause regression and prevention of colorectal polyps.

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