Reduction in cancer risk by selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors

uction in cancer risk by selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors Review (1617) Total Article Views Authors: Harris RE, Beebe J, Alshafie GA Published Date August 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 91 - 96 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JEP.S23826 Received: 31 May 2012 Accepted: 14 July 2012 Published: 13 August 2012 Randall E Harris,1 Joanne Beebe,1 Galal A Alshafie2 1College of Medicine and College of Public Health, 2College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA Abstract: We conducted a series of epidemiologic studies to evaluate the chemopreventive effects of aspirin, ibuprofen, and selective cyxlooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (coxibs) against cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, and lung. Composite results across all four cancer sites revealed that regular intake of 325 mg aspirin, 200 mg ibuprofen, or standard dosages of coxibs (200 mg celecoxib or 25 mg rofecoxib) produced risk reductions of 49%, 59%, and 64%, respectively. Use of coxibs for at least 2 years was associated with risk reductions of 71%, 70%, 55%, and 60% for breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, respectively. Effects of ibuprofen were similar to selective coxibs, and slightly stronger than aspirin. These observed effects are consistent with the relative COX-2 selectivity of ibuprofen, coxibs, and aspirin. Acetaminophen, an analgesic without COX-2 activity, had no effect. Overexpression of COX-2 and increased prostaglandin biosynthesis correlates with carcinogenesis and metastasis at most anatomic sites. These results indicate that regular intake of nonselective or selective COX-2 inhibiting agents protects against the development of major forms of cancer.