Antidepressants, eicosanoids and the prevention and treatment of cancer. A review

Among the mechanisms of carcinogenesis are oncogene synthesis and expression, upregulation of cyclooxygenase, accelerated cell replication, failed apoptosis, viral activation, disruption of signaling pathways, autoimmunity, immunosuppression, angiogenesis and metastasis. All fall within the orbit of eicosanoids and the enzymes that synthesize them. Antidepressants may be of benefit in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as they inhibit the synthesis, antagonize the actions and accelerate the degradation of such eicosanoids as prostaglandins and thromboxanes.