Overexpression of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene (COX-2) is observed frequently in OPLs and oral cancers, suggesting that this gene may play an important role in the progression of oral cancer.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates correlation between over expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2 in early precancerous stages of development of oral cancer and sustained elevation down the tumorigenic pathway, underscoring their potential as targets for early intervention.
We measured COX-1 and COX-2 m-RNA expression in samples of both oral cancer and matched oral mucosa from 22 patients by RealTime RT-PCR; clinic pathological data (grading, TNM staging, inflammation, follow-up) of all patients were available for statistical evaluation.
These data strongly indicate that COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) should be investigated as chemopreventive agents in patients identified to be at high risk of developing oral cancer.
Elevated expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma--evidence for COX-2 induction by areca quid ingredients in oral keratinocytes.