Bone Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bone Cancer, including details on symptoms, types, treatment.

Antineoplastic effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor meloxicam on canine osteosarcoma cells.

Wolfesberger B, Walter I, Hoelzl C, Thalhammer JG, Egerbacher M

Clinic of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.

A decisive role in cancer development has been attributed to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, but the significance of COX-2 inhibitors in cancer treatment still needs to be thoroughly investigated. We studied the influence of meloxicam, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug with preferential inhibitory effects on COX-2 compared to COX-1, on canine osteosarcoma (D-17) cells. We demonstrated that D-17 cells expressed mRNA and COX-2 protein. Treatment with meloxicam induced a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of cellular growth. To determine if apoptosis plays a role in meloxicam-induced cell death, we performed agarose gel electrophoresis and found a DNA-ladder pattern, typically seen in apoptosis, as well as early apoptotic changes by Annexin V tests. Furthermore, electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural alterations typical of apoptosis. Quantification of apoptotic cells by immunohistochemical staining of caspase 3 confirmed the results. However, further studies with meloxicam are necessary to assess its potential use for treatment of osteosarcomas in dogs.

Published 8 February 2006 in Res Vet Sci, 80(3): 308-16.
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