What are cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors?
Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors are compounds that block the action of cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are produced in response to inflammation and by precancerous and cancerous tissues. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation from many medical conditions by inhibiting both of these enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). NSAIDs that inhibit only COX-2 enzymes were created to allow people to have relief from pain and inflammation while reducing the chances of certain medical problems, such as stomach bleeding, that can occur when NSAIDs are taken regularly for long periods of time. • Why is the National Cancer Institute (NCI) studying COX inhibitors in cancer prevention and treatment? More than a decade of epidemiologic research suggests that people who regularly take drugs that block COX enzymes have lower rates of certain precancers, cancers, and cancer-related deaths. The data are most consistent for colorectal cancer, but this reduction in risk is also seen for
