Prostanoids, Prostanoid Receptors and Tumor Progression

Abstract

There is little doubt that prostanoids are involved in the development of many types of cancer (1, 2). However, their role is not a simple one, and is poorly understood. Prostanoids, particularly PGE₂, can promote the development of tumors, enhance the effects of initiators such as phorbol esters, promote tumor cell growth and spread, stimulate bone breakdown and inhibit the immune response (3). However, PGE₂ also has the capacity to cause the opposite effects (4). It is not surprising, therefore, that studies with inhibitors of the endogenous synthesis of prostanoids such as the NSAIDs have given conflicting results, and have been generally disappointing in cancer therapy.