Abstract
Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, an inducible enzyme involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis, has attracted considerable attention recently, due to its role in human cancer biology. Several studies have correlated an increase in the expression of COX-2 with a poor clinical outcome, while epidemiological studies demonstrate a reduced risk of cancer mortality in persons with long-term, chronic ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Originally, these observations were made in patients with colorectal cancer, and subsequent studies suggest a protective role of NSAIDs in other human cancers as well. With the development of COX-2 specific inhibitors, numerous laboratory and clinical studies are underway to help understand the role of COX-2 in cancer and the potential use of COX-2 selective inhibitors for cancer treatment or prevention. This review focuses on the physiological function of COX, and the clinical rationale for evaluating COX-2 selective inhibitors for use in oncology.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cancer prevention
- Celecoxib
- Cyclooxygenase
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Rofecoxib
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)