Cyclooxygenase in Cancer Prevention and Treatments for Actinic Keratosis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a chemically diverse class of drugs that target the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway and have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Elevated expression of COX-2 has been associated with tumor progression in skin cancer through multiple mechanisms. We present evidence for a chemoprotective effect of NSAIDs and discuss potential mechanisms of action of COX-2 in cancer. We also discuss the challenges associated with the treatment of actinic keratosis and the factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a treatment regimen. A range of treatments are reviewed, with an emphasis on combination therapies.
Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. G.Thomas@soton.ac.uk.
Gareth J
GJ
Thomas
NHS Forth Valley, Stirling, Scotland, UK.
Colin A
CA
Morton
Actinic keratosis; Cancer prevention; Cyclooxygenase; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Prognosis; Treatment