ArticleJournal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR2025
COX-2/PGE
Article in Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Imaging-guided COX-2 inhibition synergizes with photodynamic immunogenic cell death to potentiate checkpoint blockade in colon cancer.International journal of pharmaceutics: X · 2026Article
- Lipid metabolic reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages drives resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in lung cancer: a narrative review of mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.Translational lung cancer research · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
10 authors.
Funding
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND
aimsRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but incomplete ablation and recurrence of residual tumors remain significant challenges, partly due to local inflammation and elevated COX-2 levels in the tumor microenvironment. This study aims to investigate the potential of combining celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (αPD-1) to enhance anti-tumor efficacy and activate immune responses.
methodsIn vitro, ELISA was used to assess the effects of radiofrequency heat treatment and celecoxib on PGE2 secretion by Hepa1-6 cells. Scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and CCK-8 assays were employed to evaluate the function and cytotoxic activity of NK92 cells against Hepa1-6 cells. In vivo, orthotopic HCC mice were divided into five groups to evaluate tumor volume, pathology, and survival. The role of celecoxib in the COX-2/PGE2/NK cell axis and its impact on NK cell immune function were investigated.
resultsIn vitro experiments showed that celecoxib reversed PGE2-mediated suppression of NK cell function and cytotoxic activity against HCC cells by inhibiting PGE2 secretion. In vivo, orthotopic HCC mice treated with celecoxib and αPD-1 exhibited significantly reduced tumor volumes, attenuated the infiltration and activation of NK cells, and prolonged survival compared to control groups. The combination therapy also demonstrated a notable abscopal-like effect, inhibiting metastatic tumor growth and activating systemic immunity.
conclusionsTaken together, these findings suggest that celecoxib combined with αPD-1 represents a promising strategy for treating residual HCC after RFA, with enhanced anti-tumor effects and good safety.
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Registered trials
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