Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 and 5‐lipoxygenase: potential drug targets in cancer

Rådmark O, Samuelsson B (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden). Microsomal prostaglandin Esynthase‐1 and 5‐lipoxygenase: potential drug targets in cancer (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 268 :5–14. There is strong evidence for a role of prostaglandin (PG)E 2 in cancer cell proliferation and tumour development. In PGE 2 biosynthesis, cyclooxygenases (COX‐1/2) convert arachidonic acid to PGH 2 , which can be isomerized to PGE 2 by PGE synthases, including microsomal PGE synthase‐1 (MPGES‐1). Data describing genetic deletions of MPGES‐1 are reviewed. The results suggest that MPGES‐1 is an alternative therapeutic target for cancer cells and tumours that express this enzyme. Several compounds that target COX‐2 or MPGES‐1 also inhibit 5‐lipoxygenase. This may be advantageous for treatment of some forms of cancer.