Role of prostaglandins in metastatic dissemination of cancer. Minireview on cancer research

Abstract

Prostaglandins are secreted by a variety of animal and human tumours. A higher prostaglandin production is sometimes associated with a decreased tendency to metastasis, though there are features of the metastatic cascade where prostaglandins might be expected to facilitate dissemination. Prostaglandins may aid metastases through the mediation of proteolytic enzyme production, by prostaglandin-induced neovascularization or by subversion of the immune response. Inhibitors of platelet aggregation such as prostacyclin on thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitors may be useful in the prevention of metastatic spread of cancer.