Cyclo-oxygenase 2 and breast cancer prevention

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A new interest in chemoprevention in oncology has been stimulated by good evidence that aspirin and to a lesser degree other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have an important role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.1 One of the targets for the activity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is cyclo-oxygenase, the enzyme responsible for forming prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.2 At key stages of colorectal carcinogenesis non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, induce apoptosis, and block immunosuppression induced by prostaglandins, all of which help prevent cancer. With the discovery that there are two isoforms of cyclo-oxygenase the ultimate goal of preventive-therapeutic efficacy combined with good tolerability is within reach,3 and researchers are now considering the place of cyclo-oxygenase inhibition, and therefore of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in breast cancer. Cyclo-oxygenase-1, the constitutive isoform, produces prostaglandins such …