Cyclooxygenase-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-induced angiogenesis.

Epidemiological studies have indicated a reduced risk of malignancies with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), although the exact mechanisms are debated. NSAIDs inhibit angiogenesis, which is a key step for tumor growth. Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), a potent and independent angiogenic factor, has been implicated in tumorigenesis, but limited knowledge exists on the potential targets for inhibiting HGF/SF-induced pathological angiogenesis.