Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
COX-2 inhibition: a possible role in the management of prostate cancer?
P Sooriakumaran1, S E M Langley, R W Laing
1Royal Surrey County Hospital, UK. sooriakumaran@gmail.com
Abstract:
There is mounting evidence to support a role for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (coxibs) in the management of prostate cancer. This review considers the current evidence base for the use of coxibs in prostate cancer as well as their adverse event profile. A systematic literature review using the search terms 'cyclooxygenase', 'COX-2', 'coxibs', 'cardiovascular risk', and 'prostate cancer' was performed using Medline. Celecoxib appears safer in terms of cardiovascular toxicity than other coxibs, and this may relate to its lower selectivity for the COX-2 enzyme. This lower selectivity also provides rationale for its putative broader anti-cancer effects, via non-COX-2-dependent pathways that affect cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, and hypoxic modulation. There are also interacting relationships between COX-2, chronic inflammation, and prostate cancer. There is much promise for the coxibs as anti-cancer agents. The future might be to pharmacologically adapt these agents to exert their COX-2 independent mechanisms of action while minimizing their COX-2-dependent adverse cardiovascular effects.
Insights
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, known as coxibs, show promise in prostate cancer treatment. Celecoxib may offer broader anti-cancer effects with potentially reduced cardiovascular risks compared to other coxibs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mounting evidence suggests cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (coxibs) play a role in prostate cancer management.
- COX-2 is implicated in chronic inflammation, a factor associated with prostate cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence for coxibs in prostate cancer treatment.
- To evaluate the adverse event profile of coxibs, particularly cardiovascular risks.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline.
- Search terms included 'cyclooxygenase', 'COX-2', 'coxibs', 'cardiovascular risk', and 'prostate cancer'.
Main Results:
- Celecoxib demonstrates a potentially safer cardiovascular toxicity profile compared to other coxibs.
- This may be linked to celecoxib's lower selectivity for the COX-2 enzyme.
- Lower selectivity may also contribute to broader anti-cancer effects through non-COX-2-dependent pathways (cell cycle, angiogenesis, hypoxia).
Conclusions:
- Coxibs hold significant promise as anti-cancer agents for prostate cancer.
- Future research may focus on adapting coxibs to maximize COX-2 independent anti-cancer mechanisms while minimizing COX-2 dependent cardiovascular adverse effects.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Proton Pump Inhibitors
Gastric acid, a potent cocktail of hydrogen and chloride ions, is produced in specialized parietal cells within the...
