Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2: a new targeted therapy for B-cell lymphoma?

The purpose of this editorial is to highlight the findings reported herein in the paper by Wun et al. on the connection between expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and B-cell lymphoma [Leuk. Res., in press]. We will first briefly review key aspects of the COX-2 enzyme, the newly discovered prostaglandin (PG) sypthases and their PG products, and their roles both in inflammation and in the pathogenesis of cancer. Having placed the COX pathway in this context, the discussion will then return to the provocative findings of Wun et al. [Leuk. Res., 28, 2004]. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.