[The role of eicosanoids in malignant growth processes]

The role of polyunsaturated metabolites of fatty acids in carcinogenesis is discussed. The analysis of modern data demonstrates significant changes in biosynthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins in man and animals with different malignant tumours. It is shown that eicosanoids are involved in initiation and promotion of experimental tumours, suppression of antitumour immunity, proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis of malignant cells.