Survivin expression in in situ and invasive breast cancer relates to COX-2 expression and DCIS recurrence.
In lung cancer cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression has been reported to stabilise survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) which prevents cell death by blocking activated caspases. COX-2 expression limits the ubiquitination of survivin, protecting it from degradation. To determine if COX-2 expression in breast cancer showed an association with survivin expression, we assessed the levels of each protein in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer (IBC); relating expression patterns to recurrence of DCIS after surgery. Patterns of COX-2 and survivin expression were determined by intensity-graded immunohistochemistry of the primary tumours. Patients with DCIS (n=161) which had either recurred (n=47) or shown no evidence of recurrence (n=114) 5 years following primary surgery were studied. These were compared to 58 cases of IBC. Survivin was expressed in the cytoplasm of 59% of DCIS and 17% of IBC. High levels of both cytoplasmic survivin and COX-2 expression significantly correlated to DCIS recurrence. COX-2 expression was present in 72% of DCIS, and levels of expression positively correlated with cytoplasmic survivin expression in DCIS and invasive disease. The majority of DCIS that recurred expressed both proteins (69%) vs 39% nonrecurrent. Recurrence was not seen in DCIS lacking both proteins at 5 years (P=0.001). Expression of the IAP survivin is increased in DCIS and correlates closely with COX-2 expression. Increased expression of IAP, (leading to reduced apoptosis) may explain the effect of COX-2 in increasing recurrence of DCIS after surgical treatment.
Barnes
N
N
Department of Academic Surgery, South Manchester University Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Haywood
P
P
Flint
P
P
Knox
W F
WF
Bundred
N J
NJ
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D000077022:Survivin
C107489:BIRC5 protein, human; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D000077022:Survivin; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human