Cancer, cyclo-oxygenase and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - can we combine all three?

Understanding the molecular biology of cancer and identification of the aberrant mechanisms that permit unrestricted cell growth is fundamental to the development of cancer treatment and prevention strategies. When defective molecular pathways have been uncovered, targeted therapies aimed at specific disruption to the biology of the cell can be developed. Such targeted treatments might more effectively kill cancer and spare normal tissues. The significance of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymatic pathways has emerged over the last 20 years and is currently a focus of study in some cancers of humans and veterinary species. This pathway is relatively easy to inhibit using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are commonly in use in veterinary practice, making this pathway appear as a logical target. However, COX is just one of many aberrant cell signalling pathways identified in carcinogenesis. This review explores possible benefits and current limitations of treating cancer with COX-inhibiting drugs in veterinary practice.