Jupiter Medical Center announces clinical study for preventing colon cancer re-occurrence.

The Jupiter Medical Center Clinical Research Department and National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) are pleased to offer patients access to a large-scale national colon cancer prevention study called NSABP P-5. Men and women who have a history of colon cancer may be eligible to enter this study. The goal of the study is to prevent colon cancer re-occurrence.

Patients who have had colon cancer have a greater than average risk of developing polyps in the colon and rectum. These polyps could become colon cancer in the future. The purpose of the NSABP P-5 study is to find out if the drug Rosuvastatin, also called Crestor®, will prevent the occurrence of polyps in the colon or rectum, and prevent development of new colon cancer.

The NSABP is an international cancer research organization supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NSABP has more than 50 years of experience in conducting research studies designed to improve the survival and the quality of life of patients with breast or bowel cancer.

Participants will include men and women who:
• Have had a Stage I or II colon cancer surgically removed within the last 12 months
• Are not currently being treated for high cholesterol or are not on any cholesterol-lowering medications
• Have had a colonoscopy within the last 6 months or are willing to have one at study entry

Patients will be assigned by chance or randomized to one of two groups. One group will receive Rosuvastatin (Crestor®) and the other group will receive a placebo. Both groups will take one pill a day for 5 years. The pills will be supplied free of charge by the study.

Jupiter Medical Center Clinical Research professionals will closely monitor all patients through regularly scheduled visits during the study. In addition, several Jupiter Medical Center gastrointestinal doctors, including Sheldon Taub, MD, Board Certified, Gastroenterologist; Roger Koerner, MD, Board Certified, Gastroenterologist; Jefferson Vaughan, MD, Board Certified, General Surgeon and Ronald Zelnick, MD, Board Certified, General Surgeon & Colon Rectal Surgeon, will be assisting in the screening of patients for this study.

For more information on participating in clinical trials at Jupiter Medical Center, please contact Jeanine Secor, RN, BSN, Manager of Clinical Research, at 561-263-5791, Estelle Hansen, RN, BSN, Clinical Research Nurse, at 561-263-5768, or visit our website www.jupitermed.com