Selective COX-2 inhibitors as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents.

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have received increasing attention for their role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Considerable preclinical data support this use. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that this enzyme is upregulated in a variety of premalignant and malignant states and that its inhibition can decrease colon polyp formation in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. A number of studies are now investigating the use of COX-2 inhibitors to prevent or treat a number of different cancers. These ongoing trials will determine whether these agents are useful in the treatment of cancer.