A nonsteroidal arylsulfonamide with anti-inflammatory properties. Nimesulide inhibits the cyclooxygenase-mediated conversion of arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Modestly selective for COX-2, this agent binds to the enzyme, thereby inactivating it. Nimesulide may inhibit some carcinogenic COX-2-related carcinogenic effects on xenobiotic metabolism, apoptosis, immune surveillance and angiogenesis (overexpressed COX-2 in tumor epithelial cells enhances production of vascular growth factors and the formation of capillary-like networks). (NCI04)