[Cyclooxygenase 2 and colorectal cancer: therapeutic implications].

There is epidemiological evidence that suggests an inverse association between the consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and the risk of developing certain neoplasms. This association led to the identification of the therapeutic target of these drugs, cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2). Later studies have demonstrated that COX-2 is over-expressed in many malignant and pre-malignant lesions of different origins, among which are included colorectal neoplasms. This factor explains the beneficial effect observed with the use of classic NSAIDs and more recently, with selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs), in the treatment and/or prevention of several neoplasms.