Cox and mesothelioma: an overview

Histology and Histopathology. 2005 Oct;20(4):1267-74. [Link]

Cardillo I, Spugnini EP, Verdina A, Galati R, Citro G, Baldi A.

SAFU Department, Center for Experimental Research, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.

Abstract

Cyclooxygenases catalyze the rate limiting step in the production of prostanoids. Accumulating data demonstrate that overexpression of these enzymes, and in particular of cyclooxygenases-2, promotes multiple events involved in tumorigenesis; in addition, numerous studies show that inhibition of cyclooxygenases-2 can delay or prevent certain forms of cancer. Malignant mesothelioma is a lethal pleural, peritoneal and pericardial neoplasia that actually lacks valid therapies and in which cyclooxygenases-2 is recognized as an important adverse prognostic factor. Hence, there is an increasing interest in the development of new treatments based on cyclooxygenases-2 inhibitors, to prolong survival and even potentially cure this neoplasia.