The current in vitro study indicates that inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human cholangiocarcinoma cells by cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor celecoxib may involve in COX-dependent mechanisms and PGE(2) pathway. Celecoxib as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent might be effective primarily on COX-2-expressing cholangiocarcinoma.

Bile from congenital choledochal cyst patients can promote the proliferation of human cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cells via COX-2 and PGE(2) pathway.