Prevalence and clinical relevance of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 expression in stage IIB cervical adenocarcinoma

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 and prognosis in patients diagnosed with FIGO stage IIB cervical adenocarcinoma who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Study design

Twenty-three patients diagnosed with stage IIB cervical adenocarcinoma and treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy between 1990 and 1995 were included in this study. COX-1 and -2 expression and clinicopathologic features were evaluated. COX-1 and -2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The prevalence of COX-1 and -2 expression was similar at 73.9%. Significant COX-1 and -2 expression was 47.8 and 60.9%, respectively. COX-2 expression was associated with poor response to treatment and cancer-related death (P = 0.043 and 0.012, respectively). Poor survival was identified in patients who showed high COX-2 expression (P = 0.016). There was no correlation between COX-1 expression and patient prognosis.

Conclusion

Only COX-2 was found to be a potent prognostic factor in patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IIB cervical adenocarcinoma. However, further studies with more samples are needed to definitely demonstrate the relationship between COX expression and cervical adenocarcinoma.