A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of celecoxib in patients with localized prostate cancer.
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is associated with tumour promotion, inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis. Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor was investigated, in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer using immunohistochemistry.


METHODS
Patients with cT1-2 prostate cancer (n=45) were randomized to celecoxib 400mg b.d. or no treatment for four weeks prior to radical prostatectomy. Histological sections of preoperative biopsy and matched radical prostatectomy specimens were stained for markers of cell proliferation (MIB-1/Ki-67), microvessel density (CD-31 with Weidner scoring), COX-2, apoptosis (TUNEL analysis), angiogenic factors (VEGF and KDR) and HIF-1.


RESULTS
Celecoxib decreased tumour cell proliferation, microvessel density, angiogenesis and HIF-1 whilst enhancing apoptosis. These effects approached statistical significance in a multivariate model and the cell proliferation index approached statistical significance on univariate analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot study a 4 week regimen of celecoxib resulted in measurable biological effects in prostate cancer tissue. These findings warrant further investigation.
Sooriakumaran
Prasanna
P
Department of Urology, St. Luke's Cancer Centre, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
Coley
Helen M
HM
Fox
Stephen B
SB
Macanas-Pirard
Patricia
P
Lovell
David P
DP
Henderson
Alastair
A
Eden
Chris G
CG
Miller
Paul D
PD
Langley
Stephen E M
SE
Laing
Robert W
RW
D000068579:Celecoxib; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000068579:Celecoxib