Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1592727
Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in cervical cancer correlates with lymphangiosis carcinomatosa
Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. We analysed the impact of COX-2 expression in squamous invasive cervical cancer patients.
Patients and methods: Tissue samples of 123 cervical cancer patients were collected for a retrospective study performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) with an antibody against COX-2. Patients'clinical and survival data were analysed.
Results: Staining for COX-2 was found in 28 patients (23%) with significantly higher percentages in tumor cells compared to peritumoral stroma cells (p < 0.001). COX-2 expression was significantly associated with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI; p = 0.017).
Conclusion: The correlation of COX-2 expression with LVSI suggests a possible impact of COX-2 on tumor progression in cervical cancer. Further studies including larger patient collectives are needed in order to perform analyses of clinical subgroups and patients' survival.