Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in the prevention and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely reported to inhibit carcinogenesis.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to review the literature on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the prevention and treatment of cancer as it pertains to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.


METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and performed a review of all published data on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cutaneous oncogenesis.


RESULTS
In vitro and animal data strongly suggest a role for cyclooxygenase-2 in the formation of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas. Further observational studies and clinical trials are needed to assess their putative role in chemoprevention.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have activity against squamous cell carcinomas in vitro and in animal models, as well as in precursor lesions of squamous cell carcinomas. Human trials using selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are currently in progress and should offer exciting information regarding the chemopreventative function of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Asgari
Maryam
M
Division of Dermatology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. masgari@u.washington.edu
White
Emily
E
Chren
Mary-Margaret
MM
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000378:metabolism; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases