The Role of Cyclooxigenase-2 Inhibitor in Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Literature Review

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy worldwide. It has low mortality but can cause significant morbidity primarily due to local destruction. The incidence and associated cost are rising in recent years causing a burden in healthcare system. BCC incidence are continue to increase due to lack of effective chemopreventive option. Several risk factors are associated with the pathogenesis of BCC. One of the major risk factors of BCC is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, hence the prevention strategy for this malignancy include avoidance of natural and artificial sources of UV radiation. However, these methods are still less than optimal in inhibiting the emergence of basal cell carcioma. In recent years, there is accumulating evidence that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), may be involved in the pathogenesis of BCC. Several recent studies have shown that the use of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor drugs can prevent the development of nonmelanoma skin tumors including BCC. In this review, we described the potential of COX-2 inhibitors as chemoprevention for BCC.