Inhibition of cyclooxygenase -2 and amphiregulin reduces cell proliferation in a colorectal cancer cell line

Background: The role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression in colorectal cancers has engaged interest in the role of COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in cancer cell mitogenesis. Amphiregulin (AR), an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand, has been directly related to PGE2, which activates the AR promoter, causing increased AR expression. Aims: To identify if COX-2 and AR play a role in human colon cancer cell mitogenesis. Methods: HCA-7 cells in culture were treated alone or in combination with an amphiregulin neutralising antibody (ARNA) and a selective COX-2 inhibitor (SC236). The mitogenic effects were assessed by enzyme immunoassay to quantify bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Results: ARNA (P Conclusions: Novel therapeutic strategies should combine elements that target both pathways.</p