title: The use of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors for improvement of efficacy of radiotherapy in cancers.
abstract: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in cancer cells and is associated with carcinogenesis and maintenance of progressive tumour growth as well as resistance of cancer cells to ionising radiation (IR). COX-2 inhibitors can attenuate tumour growth and expression of markers of cell proliferation as well as induce apoptosis in tumour cells. These agents can have a synergistic effect with IR in the killing of cancer cells. In this review, we discuss the rational basis and molecular mechanisms regarding the usefulness of COX-2 inhibitors in cancer therapy, and also their potential role in increasing the therapeutic index of chemoradiation by protecting normal cells and sensitising tumour cells to radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
authors.forename: Ebrahim
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Salehifar
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Electronic address: sjhosseinim@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Seyed Jalal
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hosseinimehr
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2