Translating cyclooxygenase signaling in patch heterozygote mice into a randomized clinical trial in basal cell carcinoma.
This different perspective on Tang et al. (beginning on p. 25 in this issue of the journal) discusses the pivotal role of cyclooxygenase (COX) signaling in the pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). These investigators conducted elegant experiments showing increased BCC burden in patch heterozygous mice overexpressing COX-2 in the epidermis. Genetic deletion of COX-1 or COX-2 resulted in a robust decrease in BCC burden in patch heterozygote mice. They then studied pharmacologic COX inhibition in mice and humans with loss of patch, finding a trend in humans toward decreased BCC burden. This finding has implications for public health.
Arbiser
Jack L
JL
Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, GA 30322, USA. jarbise@emory.edu
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D000072079:Patched Receptors; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000072079:Patched Receptors; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface