Abstract
Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, which are known to inhibit cyclooxygenase activity, reduces the relative risk of colorectal cancer in humans by 40-50%. Animal and human studies have shown a 50-80% reduction in tumour multiplicity following treatment with a variety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Two isoforms of cyclooxygenase have been described, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In 85% of colorectal adenocarcinomas taken from humans, COX-2 levels are 2-50-fold higher than levels in adjacent normal intestinal mucosa, while COX-1 levels are unchanged. These observations raise the question: Does COX-1 or COX-2 provide a useful target for prevention or treatment of colorectal cancer?
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 64-67 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Supplement |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 1 |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)
- Pharmacology (medical)