Breast cancer remains a formidable public health challenge worldwide, characterized by its initiation within the breast's diverse tissues, particularly the ducts and lobules. This malignancy is predominantly categorized into three subtypes based on receptor status and genetic markers: hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative. Each subtype exhibits distinct biological behaviors and responses to treatment, which significantly influence the prognosis and management strategies. The development and metastatic spread of breast cancer are complex processes mediated by interactions between tumor cells and the host microenvironment, involving various cellular and molecular mechanisms. This review highlights the potential therapeutic role of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, in addressing the multifaceted aspects of breast cancer progression. Specifically, celecoxib modulates angiogenesis by reducing the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through decreased PGE2 production, enhances the immune response by alleviating PGE2-mediated immunosuppression, and inhibits metastasis by limiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These mechanisms collectively hinder tumor growth, immune evasion, and metastatic spread. By synthesizing recent findings and analyzing the impact of celecoxib on these pathways, this paper seeks to delineate the integrated approaches necessary for managing metastatic breast cancer effectively.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Breast cancer subtypes; COX-2 inhibition; Celecoxib; Metastasis.
©2024 The Author (s).