Prostaglandins and the colon cancer connection

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths throughout the world. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the few agents that are known to inhibit colorectal tumorigenesis. The mechanisms that underlie this effect are poorly understood. Two recent studies have provided some significant insight. Castellone and colleagues showed that prostaglandin E2 modulates the beta-catenin signaling axis, a key pathway for colorectal tumorigenesis. Holla and colleagues showed that prostaglandin E2 might act via a nuclear receptor. These findings shed light on the mechanisms that underlie prostaglandin action, and provide a molecular framework for developing future treatments for colorectal cancer.