Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Published on: November 28, 2015
Cyclooxygenase-2 in glioblastoma multiforme
Jiange Qiu1, Zhi Shi2, Jianxiong Jiang3
1Department of Cell Biology and Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0514, USA.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the most prevalent brain primary tumor, yet there is a lack of effective treatment. With current therapies, fewer than 5% of patients with GBM survive more than 5 years after diagnosis. Mounting evidence from epidemiological studies reveals that the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is correlated with reduced incidence of GBM, suggesting that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its major product within the brain, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are involved in the development and progression of GBM. Here, we highlight our current understanding of COX-2 in GBM proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression by focusing on recent in vitro and in vivo experimental data. We also discuss the feasibility of COX-2 as a therapeutic target for GBM in light of the latest human studies.
Insights
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce glioblastoma incidence. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is implicated in brain tumor growth, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Current treatments offer limited survival benefits for GBM patients.
- Epidemiological studies link NSAID use to reduced GBM incidence, implicating COX-2 and PGE2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of COX-2 in GBM proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression.
- To assess COX-2 as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent in vitro and in vivo experimental data on COX-2 in GBM.
- Analysis of current human studies regarding COX-2 inhibition in GBM.
Main Results:
- COX-2 plays a significant role in key GBM processes including proliferation and invasion.
- Evidence suggests COX-2 inhibition impacts GBM development and progression.
- Recent human studies provide insights into the therapeutic potential of targeting COX-2.
Conclusions:
- COX-2 is a critical mediator in GBM pathogenesis.
- Targeting COX-2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM treatment.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to validate COX-2 inhibitors for GBM therapy.
