Introduction: Meloxicam is a NSAID which able to inhibit the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The purpose of this research is to explain the effect of Meloxicam in inhibit the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) induced
by benzopyrenes. The apoptosis and proliferation of OSCC, the p53, Ras and COX-2 expression used as indicator.
Methods: male mice were induced by benzopyrene 10 mg/kg body weight was given topically on buccal mucosa 2
times a week for 4 weeks for induced the OSCC. Meloxicam was given orally with 3 different doses was 50mg/kg,
100mg/kg, and 200mg/kg.b.w given once a day for 60 days. The control groups were given with CMC-1% 0.1ml/10g
body weight. The buccal mucosa then biopsy and staining with immunohistochemistry to analyzed the p53, Ras,
COX-2 expression, apoptosis and proliferation of OSCC. Results: The increase of Meloxicam dose is proportional
to the increase in wild p53 expression and apoptosis, and inversely proportional to the expression of mutant race,
cox-2 and the proliferation of OSCC. Conclusion: Meloxicam able to inhibit the growth of OSCC induced by benzopyrenes.