[Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors and lung carcinoma].

Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) may play a crucial role in lung carcinogenesis. In fact, overexpression of Cox2 is common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and seems to be associated with tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. In experimental animal models Cox2 has been shown to be involved in tumor angiogenesis, suggesting that Cox2 is a potential target for NSCLC therapy. Several in vivo studies have already shown that Cox2 specific inhibitors (celecoxib, rofecoxib) have anti-tumor activity and clinical trials using Cox2 inhibitors are currently ongoing in patients with NSCLC.