Role of Prostaglandin Synthesis and Cyclooxygenase-2 in Prostate Cancer and Metastasis

Metabolites of arachidonic acid, inclusive of prostatglandins (PGs), have been implicated in cancer for a number of years. In this overview, the evidence of the role of PGs and their interaction with endogenous hormones and exogenous (environmental) influences, predominately dietary factors, in the development and metastasis of prostate cancer, the mechanisms of action and approaches toward facilitating the design of effective strategies for the prevention and intervention of prostate cancer are considered. Included herein and apart from their traditionally thought of metabolic effects, PGs have been shown to function as biological response modifiers as evidenced from their effects on proliferation, apoptosis and immune responses.