Abstract
Prostaglandin synthesis by a number of enzymes is important at all stages during the genesis of cancer. The availability of prostaglandin H2 as a substrate for prostaglandin production is a critical control point in its synthesis. Cyclooxygenase (COX) occurs in two forms (COX-1 and -2) and acts as the rate-limiting enzyme that generates prostaglandin H2- COX-1 is produced as a steady-state enzyme, while COX-2 is heavily involved in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Differences in the catalytic sites of these enzymes are utilised to generate COX-2 selective inhibitors. Certain chemical characteristics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 selective inhibitors make some of these inhibitors more effective against COX-2 than others. Epidemiological, animal and preclinical data demonstrate the promise of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 selective inhibitors as anticancer agents. Ongoing clinical trials are designed to determine the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 selective inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of many types of cancer.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1749-1764 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2002 |
Keywords
- Cancer
- Cyclooxygenase
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Prevention
- Prostaglandins
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)