COX-1 and COX-2 expression in stage I and II invasive cervical carcinoma: relationship to disease relapse and long-term survival.
COX-1 and COX-2 are members of the cyclooxygenase (COX) family, which influence tumor invasion and apoptosis. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between COX-1 and COX-2 expression in early-stage disease and subsequent disease relapse and long-term survival. Women with FIGO stage I and II cervical carcinoma, younger than 50 years, treated between 1981 and 1990 were included. COX-1 and COX-2 expressions in the tumors were assessed by immunohistochemistry. COX-1 and COX-2 were expressed in 61% (17/28) and 57% (16/28) of tumors, respectively. COX-1 nonexpressers showed an improved overall survival compared to expressers (log-rank test, P= 0.09). There was no significant difference in the overall survival in COX-2 nonexpressers compared to expressers (P= 0.6). Out of eight women with disease relapse, COX-1 or COX-2 expression was noted in six of eight tumors, and both were expressed in five of eight tumors. Our preliminary data suggest an adverse prognosis with COX-1 expression in early-stage cervical carcinoma and a trend toward COX-1 expression in disease relapse. The association between COX-2 expression and a worse prognosis was not proven in this study.
Athavale
R
R
Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, UK. rathavale@yahoo.com
Clooney
K
K
O'Hagan
J
J
Shawki
H
H
Clark
A H
AH
Green
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2