[The value of cyclooxygenase-2 to predict the effect of radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relation between the expression of COX-2 protein and the effect of radiotherapy, estimate the value of COX-2 in predicting the effect of radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma,provide theoretical basement for establishing characteristic project of treatment and raising curative effect and life quantity.


METHODS
The expression of COX-2 protein was examined in 30 radiosensitive and 30 radioresistant poorly differentiated NPC by immunohistochemical staining (SP method) before radiotherapy. The relation between the expression of COX-2 and the effect of radiotherapy was analyzed.


RESULTS
The positive rate of COX-2 protein expression was 61. 67% in NPC tissues, there was statistical difference( P <0. 01) of the positive rate between the 86. 67 % of 30 radioresistant and 36. 67 % of radiosensitive NPC tissues. The intensity of COX-2 protein expressions showed statistical difference( P <0. 05),too. Based on the expression of COX-2, the effect of radiotherapy, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false positive and false negative were predicted as follows: 86. 67Y, 63. 33% ,75. 00%, 70. 27% ,82. 61% ,36. 67% and 13. 33 , respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
COX-2 expression may serve as a marker in predicting the response to radiotherapy in NPC. According to the expression of COX-2, the sound treatment scheme can be selected.
Liu
Yangyun
Y
Department of Otolaryngology, the No. 163 Hospital of PLA, Changsha, 410003, China. lyyundr@yahoo.com.cn
Zhao
Suping
S
Liu
Gengxun
G
Li
Zhengxian
Z
Sun
Zhengliang
Z
Jiang
Wen
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human