Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in prevention of gastric cancer

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors, are potential agents for the chemoprevention of gastric cancer. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that NSAID use is associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer although many questions remain unanswered such as the optimal dose and duration of treatment. The possible mechanisms for the suppressor effect of NSAIDs on carcinogenesis are the ability to induce apoptosis in epithelial cells and regulation of angiogenesis. Both COX-dependent and COX-independent pathways have a role in the biological activity of NSAIDs. Knowledge of how NSAIDs prevent neoplastic growth will greatly aid the design of better chemopreventive drugs and novel treatments for gastric cancer. (C) 2006 The WJG Press. All rights reserved.Gastroenterology & HepatologySCI(E)0182884-28891