Review
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 14, 2006; 12(18): 2884-2889
Published online May 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i18.2884
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in prevention of gastric cancer
Yun Dai, Wei-Hong Wang
Yun Dai, Wei-Hong Wang, Department of Gastroenterology, First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China
Correspondence to: Wei-Hong Wang, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China. wh2581@sohu.com
Telephone: +86-10-66551122-2581 Fax: +86-10-66518105
Received: July 18, 2005
Revised: July 28, 2005
Accepted: December 5, 2005
Published online: May 14, 2006
Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors, are potential agents for the chemoprevention of gastric cancer. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that NSAID use is associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer although many questions remain unanswered such as the optimal dose and duration of treatment. The possible mechanisms for the suppressor effect of NSAIDs on carcinogenesis are the ability to induce apoptosis in epithelial cells and regulation of angiogenesis. Both COX-dependent and COX-independent pathways have a role in the biological activity of NSAIDs. Knowledge of how NSAIDs prevent neoplastic growth will greatly aid the design of better chemopreventive drugs and novel treatments for gastric cancer.

Keywords: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Gastric cancer; Cyclooxygenase; Prevention; Intervention