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Published on: June 23, 2026
Suppression of pancreatic cancer cell invasion by a cyclooxygenase-2-specific inhibitor
Jiro Okami1, Shoji Nakamori, Nobuaki Hiraoka
1Department of Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita City, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by invasive and metastatic potential. In this study, effects of the COX-2 inhibitor JTE-522 on cell viability, invasion, and invasion-related cellular properties were determined. JTE-522 (10 microM) induced a 75-90% reduction in invasion, compared to cells treated with a vehicle only, in the COX-2-expressing cells. In contrast, this inhibitor caused no significant reduction in cells lacking COX-2. Determinants of cell invasion, such as cell motility, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and gelatinolytic activity of metalloproteinase, were also modulated in COX-2-positive pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, COX-2-specific inhibitors may be a useful anti-invasive therapeutic option in pancreatic cancer.
Insights
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors like JTE-522 significantly reduced pancreatic cancer cell invasion. This suggests COX-2 inhibitors could be a valuable therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer exhibits significant invasive and metastatic potential, driving poor patient outcomes.
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is frequently overexpressed in pancreatic tumors and implicated in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-invasive effects of the COX-2 inhibitor JTE-522 on pancreatic cancer cells.
- To determine the impact of JTE-522 on invasion-related cellular properties.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of COX-2-expressing and COX-2-negative pancreatic cancer cells with JTE-522 (10 microM).
- Assessment of cell viability, invasion, cell motility, extracellular matrix adhesion, and metalloproteinase gelatinolytic activity.
Main Results:
- JTE-522 significantly reduced invasion (75-90%) in COX-2-expressing pancreatic cancer cells compared to vehicle controls.
- No significant reduction in invasion was observed in cells lacking COX-2 expression.
- JTE-522 modulated cell motility, extracellular matrix adhesion, and metalloproteinase activity in COX-2-positive cells.
Conclusions:
- COX-2 plays a critical role in the invasive potential of pancreatic cancer cells.
- COX-2-specific inhibitors, such as JTE-522, demonstrate potential as an anti-invasive therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.

