Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Aug 2011
ReviewPossible link between cyclooxygenase-inhibiting and antitumor properties of propofol.
The intravenous anesthetic propofol has a number of well-known nonanesthetic effects, including anti-oxidation and anti-emesis. Another interesting nonanesthetic effect of propofol may be its cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibiting activity. This activity may have important clinical implications, as propofol could have antitumor properties through COX inhibition. ⋯ Therefore, propofol could be a particularly suitable anesthetic for use during the perioperative period for cancer surgery. However, whether the COX-inhibiting activity of propofol is related to the reported antitumor properties of propofol is not known. Definitive evidence remains to be provided.