COX-2 inhibitors act as radiosensitizer in tumor treatment.
Since cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in malignant tissues, the COX-2 mediated signaling pathway has been recognized as potential target for therapeutic intervention. In most human tumors, COX-2 overexpression has been associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor clinical outcome. In vitro studies show inhibition of cell proliferation by selective COX-2 inhibitors alone, and enhancement of the response to irradiation. In vivo experimental reports demonstrate enhanced tumor response and impediment of tumor neovascularization following radiotherapy combined with COX-2 inhibition. Clinical studies on the combination of irradiation with COX-2 inhibitors are emerging. Taken together, the perspective for the combined approach of radiotherapy with COX-2 inhibition yields clinical significance since preclinical data demonstrate selective COX-2 inhibitors to act as radiosensitizer in tumor treatment.
Sminia
P
P
Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiobiology, VU University Medical Center, Building: Faculty of Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.sminia@vumc.nl
Kuipers
G
G
Geldof
A
A
Lafleur
V
V
Slotman
B
B
D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2