Current directions for COX-2 inhibition in breast cancer

Biomed Pharmacother. 2005 Oct:59 Suppl 2:S281-4. doi: 10.1016/s0753-3322(05)80046-0.

Abstract

Chemotherapy is effective against breast cancer. COX-2 has been implicated in the progression and angiogenesis of cancers. Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) inhibitor, has both apoptotic and antiangiogenic activities, and may be of use in treatment of breast tumors which overexpress the COX-2 enzyme. Preliminary clinical trials have shown that the combination of chemotherapy with celecoxib has minimal additional toxicity and it may enhance the effects of the chemotherapy. Beside chemotherapy, celecoxib may promulgate the effect of aromatase inhibitor in breast cancer cells. Animal studies have shown that there are fewer and smaller tumors treated by combining exemestane and celecoxib. Larger clinical trials should be initiated to study the potential anti-cancer effects of celecoxib in breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism*
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
  • Cyclooxygenase 2