TY - JOUR
T1 - Cyclooxygenase in the treatment of glioma
T2 - Its complex role in signal transduction
AU - New, Pamela
PY - 2004
Y1 - 2004
N2 - Background: High-grade glioma remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Recent studies in oncology have identified a role of the ubiquitous enzyme, cyclooxygenase (Cox), especially cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in cell proliferation, and its inhibition in cancer control, apoptosis, as well as synergy with other forms of therapy. The inhibitors of the Cox enzyme are well known as members of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class of pharmaceuticals. Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies of different cancers expressing COX-2, including glioma studies, along with the few clinical trials that have been reported are reviewed to specifically identify the actions of these agents. Results: The anticancer effect of the COX-2 inhibitors may occur irrelevant of COX-2 expression, and it appears to be drug-specific, as well as dose-specific in different cancers. In combination with chemotherapeutic agents, the COX-2 inhibitors may have an additive, synergistic, or inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Conclusions: As evaluations of this class of drugs begin in glioma, in vitro and in vivo data should be acquired to accurately predict which compounds will have an effect in controlling tumor growth and at which doses these should be used. The actual expression and inhibition of COX-2 may not always be relevant to the effects on tumor growth.
AB - Background: High-grade glioma remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Recent studies in oncology have identified a role of the ubiquitous enzyme, cyclooxygenase (Cox), especially cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in cell proliferation, and its inhibition in cancer control, apoptosis, as well as synergy with other forms of therapy. The inhibitors of the Cox enzyme are well known as members of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class of pharmaceuticals. Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies of different cancers expressing COX-2, including glioma studies, along with the few clinical trials that have been reported are reviewed to specifically identify the actions of these agents. Results: The anticancer effect of the COX-2 inhibitors may occur irrelevant of COX-2 expression, and it appears to be drug-specific, as well as dose-specific in different cancers. In combination with chemotherapeutic agents, the COX-2 inhibitors may have an additive, synergistic, or inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Conclusions: As evaluations of this class of drugs begin in glioma, in vitro and in vivo data should be acquired to accurately predict which compounds will have an effect in controlling tumor growth and at which doses these should be used. The actual expression and inhibition of COX-2 may not always be relevant to the effects on tumor growth.
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U2 - 10.1177/107327480401100303
DO - 10.1177/107327480401100303
M3 - Review article
C2 - 15153839
AN - SCOPUS:2942534202
VL - 11
SP - 152
EP - 164
JO - Cancer Control
JF - Cancer Control
SN - 1073-2748
IS - 3
ER -