Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer treatment

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are potent cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, mediate cancer preventive and tumour regressive effects in the human colon. COX is responsible for the biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PGs), represented by a large series of compounds. Importantly, an increase in PG synthesis may influence tumour growth in humans or experimental animals, and numerous studies have illustrated the effect of PG synthesis on carcinogen metabolism, tumour cell proliferation and metastatic potential. The patents discussed in this review present the synthesis and activities of some selective COX-2 inhibitors, the activity and toxicity of R-NSAIDs and S-NSAIDs, and some results obtained with NSAIDs combined with chemotherapeutic agents, in cancer treatment.