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Development of Inhibitors of Protein-protein Interactions through REPLACE: Application to the Design and Development Non-ATP Competitive CDK Inhibitors
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Inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase 2: a new class of anticancer agents?

Giampietro Gasparini1, Raffaele Longo, Roberta Sarmiento

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology, S Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy. gasparini.oncology@tisclinet.it

The Lancet. Oncology
|October 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitors, known as coxibs, demonstrate significant anticancer effects by inhibiting tumor growth and potentiating other treatments. Clinical studies show promising results for coxibs combined with chemotherapy in various cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX2) plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression.
  • Selective COX2 inhibitors (coxibs) exhibit antiangiogenic and proapoptotic effects, inhibiting tumor growth.
  • COX2 is overexpressed in advanced human tumors, indicating its therapeutic relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the anticancer effects of coxibs.
  • To explore therapeutic opportunities for combining coxibs with other anticancer modalities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental studies on coxibs' antitumour mechanisms.
  • Analysis of preclinical models demonstrating coxib efficacy.
  • Evaluation of clinical trial data on coxib combinations.

Main Results:

  • Coxibs inhibit tumor growth via antiangiogenic and proapoptotic mechanisms.
  • Coxibs enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiotherapy in experimental models.
  • Clinical studies show coxibs are feasible, well-tolerated, and effective when combined with chemotherapy for colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Preclinical and clinical findings support the use of coxibs in anticancer strategies.
  • Combination therapy with coxibs offers promising opportunities for cancer treatment, particularly in advanced stages.

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