Résumé
Cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] is over expressed in a variety of premalignant and malignant conditions. It may contribute to carcinogenesis by modulating xenobiotic metabolism, apoptosis, immune surveillance, and angiogenesis. Selective COX-2 inhibitors suppress the formation of tumors in experimental models. Selective COX-2 inhibitors also suppress the growth and metastases of established tumors and enhance the anticancer activity of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in experimental animals. This review aims at discussing evidence that inhibition of COX-2 represents a promising strategy to treat, prevent or possibly prevent human malignancies. Importantly, selective COX-2 inhibitors do not inhibit platelet function and cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects [peptic ulcer disease] than traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDS]. More clinical trials are warranted to define the role of selective COX-2 inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of cancer along with their assessment of toxicity