Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor oncolytic

Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated as a tumor-initiating and -promoting event for a number of common solid tumors, including lung, breast and colon cancer. Considerable epidemiological evidence supports COX-2 inhibition as a method of chemoprevention. Inhibition of COX-2 in laboratory models has been demonstrated to be antineoplastic both by itself and in combination with cytotoxic and targeted agents. Apricoxib is a novel, potent and selective inhibitor of COX-2 currently under development as an anti-canceragent, as well as an analgesic. This review discusses the pharmacology, preclinical and clinical results with apricoxib, focusing on its potential use in oncology.