Steroids are anti-inflammatory substances that are made by the body in the adrenal glands, according to Macmillan Cancer Support. They can also be made in the laboratory and marketed as drugs. Some steroids can treat cancer either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. In addition, certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can kill cancer cells and may be used as cancer treatments in combination with chemotherapy or radiation.
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
According to the University of Iowa Health Care website, celecoxib is an oral, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that has the ability to kill head and neck cancer cells that are in the "S" phase of the cell cycle. The "S" phase is the second of three phases before cell division and is when the cancer cell makes DNA and reproduces its chromosomes. The ability of celecoxib to kill head and neck cancer cells in the "S" phase of the cell cycle means that it has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of radiation treatment after surgery for head and neck cancer. The cancer cells that are in the "S" phase are resistant to radiation. Therefore, treating patients with celecoxib and radiation after surgery for head and neck cancer may destroy a greater percentage of residual cancer cells than radiation alone.
Prednisone
Prednisone is an oral steroid drug that has therapeutic effects based on its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to modify the body's immune response to disease states, explains the American Cancer Society. Doctors prescribe prednisone as part of cancer treatment for leukemias, lymphomas and other types of cancer. It is normally used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Patients who have diabetes should be aware that taking prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of their diabetes medication and their blood sugar levels may go up. Other side effects of prednisone therapy may include increased appetite, trouble sleeping, upset stomach and weight gain.
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is a prescription anti-inflammatory medication. According to the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, methylprednisolone also has FDA approval as a palliative treatment for leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults and for acute leukemia in children. Palliative treatments are those that focus on mitigating the severity of the symptoms of the disease as opposed to trying to cure the disease. Methylprednisolone may exert its anticancer effects by hindering inflammatory processes that lead to pain or other side effects of cancer or that are vital to the growth of cancer cells. The drug is administered orally or via intramuscular or intravenous injection. Common side effects include irritability, nervousness, stomach ulcers, increase in appetite, weakness, elevated blood sugar levels, insomnia and weight gain.
