Biosynthesis of prostaglandins and hydroxy fatty acids in primary squamous carcinomas of head and neck in humans.

The metabolism of [14C]arachidonic acid into cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products by homogenates of primary squamous carcinomas of head and neck in 12 patients was studied in vitro. The lipoxygenase pathway was predominant in all samples. The major metabolites were 12-hydroxy-5,8,11-14-eicosatetraenoic acid, (12-HETE) and 15-HETE. 5-HETE, 5,12-diHETE, 8-HETE and 9-HETE were also detected. The cyclooxygenase products detected were in the following order: PGE2 greater than PGF2 alpha greater than TxB2 greater than 15-keto-PGE2 greater than 6-keto-PGF1 alpha greater than PGD2. Literature review of the biological activities of these oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid suggest important modulatory roles in the pathophysiology of head and neck cancer.