Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase-2, and colorectal cancer prevention

R N Dubois1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and VA Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA. raymond.dubois@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu

Insights

Colorectal cancer screening is underutilized despite its effectiveness. Understanding molecular pathways offers new targets for preventing and treating this common cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S.
  • Screening rates remain below 40% among eligible individuals.
  • Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis research illuminates molecular mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer development.
  • To identify potential molecular targets for cancer prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of research on hereditary and sporadic colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular signaling pathways implicated in colorectal cancer.

Main Results:

  • Defects in hereditary colorectal cancer provide insights into sporadic forms.
  • Specific signaling pathways are crucial for colorectal cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting molecular pathways offers a promising strategy for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Key targets include cyclooxygenase-2, peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR-delta, PPAR-gamma), transforming growth factor-beta receptors, and inducible-nitric oxide synthase.

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