Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
Published on: June 20, 2015
The importance of 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors in cancer treatment
Ala Orafaie1, Maryam Moghaddam Matin1,2, Hamid Sadeghian3,4
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract:
Cancer-targeted therapy is an expanding and successful approach in treatment of many types of cancers. One of the main categories of targeted therapy is use of small molecule inhibitors. 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) is an enzyme which reacts with polyunsaturated fatty acids and produces metabolites that are implicated in many important human diseases, such as cancer. Considering the role of 15-LOX (mainly 15-LOX-1) in the progression of some cancers, the discovery of 15-LOX inhibitors could potentially lead to development of novel cancer therapeutics and it can be claimed that 15-LOX inhibitors might be suitable as chemotherapy agents in the near future. This article reviews relevant publications on 15-LOX inhibitors with focus on their anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. Many 15-LOX inhibitors have been reported for which separate studies have shown their anticancer activities. This review paves the way to further explore the mechanism of their antiproliferative effects via 15-LOX inhibition.
Insights
15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitors show promise as novel cancer therapeutics. This review explores their anticancer activities, suggesting potential as future chemotherapy agents.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer-targeted therapy, particularly small molecule inhibitors, is a growing field.
- 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) produces metabolites linked to cancer progression.
- 15-LOX-1 specifically plays a role in the development of certain cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitors.
- To focus on the anticancer activities of these inhibitors.
- To explore their potential as future cancer therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publications on 15-LOX inhibitors.
- Analysis of studies reporting in vitro anticancer activities.
- Evaluation of studies reporting in vivo anticancer activities.
Main Results:
- Numerous 15-LOX inhibitors have been identified.
- Separate studies demonstrate anticancer effects for many reported inhibitors.
- Evidence suggests 15-LOX inhibition impacts cancer cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- 15-LOX inhibitors represent a promising area for novel cancer therapeutics.
- These inhibitors may serve as effective chemotherapy agents in the future.
- Further research into the mechanisms of antiproliferative effects is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Other Nuclides: 31P, 19F, 15N NMR
While fluorine-19 and phosphorous-31 have high natural abundances (100%) and positive gyromagnetic ratios, nitrogen-15 has a low natural abundance and a negative gyromagnetic ratio. However, nitrogen-15 is still preferred over nitrogen-14 (which has a...
Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

