title: Cyclooxygenase-2: a novel target in human solid tumors.
abstract: The enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, which is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid-to-prostanoid synthesis, plays a key role in many inflammatory and proliferative reactions. Experimental data have shown that prostaglandins have a central action in therapeutic targeting not only in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases but also in several types of human cancers. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase activity seem to protect against carcinoma development and show promise as chemopreventive agents and possible target therapies. Data support new treatments for patients with solid cancers tailored to the molecular characteristics of the individual tumor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, School of Medicine, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 85. 50134 Florence, Italy. mariarosaria.raspollini@unifi.it
authors.forename: Maria Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Raspollini
authors.forename: Gian Luigi
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Taddei
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human