The role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in breast cancer, and implications of COX-2 inhibition.
The cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme system is composed of two isoenzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. Recent sources of experimental and epidemiological evidence suggest a significant role for the COX enzymes, particularly COX-2, in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. This has important implications for treatment of the disease. This article reviews the evidence for a relationship between the COX enzyme system and mammary carcinogenesis, and discusses the likely therapeutic roles and potential pitfalls of COX inhibition.
Singh-Ranger
G
G
Breast Cancer Unit, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, SW17 0QT, UK.
Mokbel
K
K
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496511:PTGS1 protein, human; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; C496512:Ptgs1 protein, mouse; C496513:Ptgs1 protein, rat