Abstract: Cyclo-oxygenase（COX） is the major rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of prostaglandins. COX-2, which is the inducible form, involved in inflammation and cancer incidence. Study found, COX-2 was overexpressed in the majority of malignant carcinomas including tongue squamous carcinoma. In addition, the increasing activity of COX-2 can improve the adhesion capacity of cells and the extracellular matrix protein, enhance expression level of matrix etalloprotease, and increase the invasion of tumor cells. Further studing the relationship between the cyclo -oxygenase -2 selective inhibitor and tongue squamous carcinoma invasion is very important for tongue cancer treatment and prognosis.

Key words: cyclo-oxygenase, tongue squamous carcinoma, cell invasion, Celecoxib