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Celecoxib reduces microvessel density in patients treated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and induces changes in gene

R A Soo1, J Wu, A Aggarwal

  • 1Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Hospital, Singapore. Ross_SOO@nuh.com.sg

Annals of Oncology : Official Journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
|September 30, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Celecoxib treatment reduced tumor angiogenesis and altered gene expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. These findings support further clinical studies on celecoxib for NPC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor with known antitumor and antiangiogenic properties.
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer affecting the nasopharynx.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects of celecoxib in NPC tumors.
  • To assess changes in tumor angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and gene expression following celecoxib treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Patients with newly diagnosed NPC received celecoxib 400 mg twice daily for 14 days.
  • Tumor biopsies were collected pre- and post-treatment for immunohistochemistry and microarray analysis.
  • Plasma celecoxib concentrations were monitored on days 8 and 14.

Main Results:

  • A reduction in microvessel density was observed post-treatment, indicating decreased angiogenesis.
  • Microarray analysis revealed differential expression of 35 genes, including down-regulation of cell cycle and transcription factors, and up-regulation of HLA-DM B.
  • Therapeutic plasma levels of celecoxib were achieved in patients.

Conclusions:

  • Celecoxib effectively reduces angiogenesis and induces significant transcriptional changes in NPC tumors.
  • The observed changes suggest a potential therapeutic role for celecoxib in NPC treatment.
  • Further in vivo studies are warranted to fully elucidate celecoxib's effects on neoplastic tissue.

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