Regression of head and neck carcinoma with a prostaglandin-synthesis inhibitor.

The in vivo administration of a prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitor inhibited or reduced tumor growth in cancer patients and experimental animals. Indomethacin, a prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitor and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent commonly used in the management of arthritic patients, acted as an immune adjuvant by decreasing the production of prostaglandins. Seven cases demonstrated that indomethacin taken in the usually recommended dosages causes regression and stabilization of head and neck cancer. The following factors were also considered in this study: prostaglandin production, a survey of other reports of solid neoplasm response to prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitor administration, drug toxicity, irradiation therapy and metastases, the need for tumor biopsy, and the role that reduction in inflammation plays in tumor shrinkage.