Current directions for COX-2 inhibition in breast cancer.
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.
Chow
L W C
LW
Department Hung Chao Hong Integrated Center for Breast Diseases, University of Hong Kong Medical Center, Pokfulam, China. lwcchow@hku.hk
Loo
W T Y
WT
Toi
M
M
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2