Prostaglandins and Skin Cancer: An Old Pathway With New Insights in Cutaneous Oncology

The review by St. Denis et al. explores the role of prostaglandins, particularly prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in the development of skin cancers such as basal cell cancers, squamous cell cancers, melanoma, and Kaposi's sarcoma. They highlight that PGE2 and its production enzymes are overexpressed in these cancers, with contributions from various cells in the tumor microenvironment. Excessive PGE2 levels can promote tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The review suggests that certain supplements and nutraceuticals, like green tea and curcumin, may reduce prostaglandin production and mitigate skin cancer risk. Pharmacological strategies, including enzyme inhibitors and receptor antagonists targeting PGE2 receptors, particularly EP4 and EP1, offer promising avenues for novel skin cancer treatments. The development of these therapies, alongside the repurposing of existing drugs, could enhance the management and prevention of skin cancers.