Anti-metastatic Action of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Epidemiological studies suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the incidence and mortality of several types of human cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms by which NSAIDs exert their chemopreventive and anticancer effects are not fully understood. Cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and COX-2 are the main targets for NSAIDs. Recent studies demonstrate that COX-2 is overexpressed in many human cancers and may promote tumorigenesis via: (1) stimulation of cancer cell proliferation; (2) increase of tumor angiogenesis; (3) prevention of cancer cell apoptosis; (4) modulation of immunoregulatory reactions; and (5) enhancement of tumor metastasis. NSAIDs may target the signaling molecules (from upstream activators to downstream effectors) involved in these mechanisms to attenuate the development and progression of cancer. In this review, we discuss the recent findings with regard to the mechanisms by which NSAIDs inhibit tumorigenesis and will specifically focus on the elucidation of NSAID-induced inhibition of tumor metastasis