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NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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cyclooxygenase-2  listen  (SY-kloh-OK-sih-jeh-NAYS-2)

  An enzyme that speeds up the formation of substances that cause inflammation and pain. It may also cause tumor cells to grow. Some tumors have high levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and blocking its activity may reduce tumor growth. Also called COX-2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2.