Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression and hormone receptor status in breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate COX-2 mRNA expression with known clinical prognostic features of breast cancer, oestrogen/progesterone receptor status, tumour size and grade.


METHODS
Total RNA was extracted from 45 frozen breast tumour (invasive) and 22 normal breast tissue samples. COX-2 mRNA transcription was quantified using a real time RT-PCR assay and expressed as copy number/microg total RNA. All specimens were assessed for tumour grade, size, nodal status and presence of vascular invasion and oestrogen and progesterone receptor status.


RESULTS
COX-2 mRNA was detected in all samples with a median copy number of 1.15 x 10(7) for tumours and 6.5 x 10(6) for normal samples. Expression was significantly higher in oestrogen receptor negative tumours compared to the receptor positive group. There was no correlation between COX-2 mRNA levels and tumour size, grade, nodal status and presence of vascular invasion.


CONCLUSIONS
COX-2 mRNA expression is increased in oestrogen and progesterone receptor negative breast cancers.
McCarthy
K
K
Breast Unit, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts and The London Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7EA, UK.
Bustin
S A
SA
Ogunkolade
B
B
Khalaf
S
S
Laban
C A
CA
McVittie
C J
CJ
Carpenter
R
R
Jenkins
P J
PJ
D001940:Breast / Q000378:metabolism; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism*
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human