To evaluate immunoreactivity of cyclooxygenase-2 in cases of endometrial carcinoma and correlate it with expression of p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor

Abstract

Context: Increased levels of prostaglandins have been detected in cancers of several anatomic sites, including those of endometrium. Several studies have shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is aberrantly increased in various human epithelial cancers, and cellular up-regulation of COX-2 may be a common mechanism in epithelial carcinogenesis. Aims: To examine the expressions of COX-2, p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in endometrial cancer and their relationships with clinicopathologic characteristics. Setting and Design: A retrospective observational study in a tertiary care center of academic and research potential. Subjects and Methods: Sections from fifty cases of endometrial carcinoma were stained imunohistochemically with COX-2, p53, and VEGF. The expressions of COX-2, p53, and VEGF in endometrial cancer were examined. Results: COX-2 was positive 19 cases (38%) of endometrial carcinoma. The COX-2 immunopositivity was 50%, 28%, and 41% in Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3; and 27%, 46%, 67%, and 100% cases of Stage I, II, III, IV, respectively. p53 was positive in 24 cases (48%); 0%, 33%, and 67% in Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3; and 27%, 77%, 83%, and 100% cases of Stage I, II, III, IV, respectively. VEGF was positive in 21 cases (42%); of which 0%, 33%, and 67% cases were in Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3; and 17%, 77%, 83%, and 100% cases were in Stage I, II, III, IV, respectively. Conclusion: The expression of COX-2 increase with stage of the endometrial tumor and with the expression of p53 and VEGF in the endometrial carcinomas. COX-2 inhibitors may have role in the prevention of endometrial carcinomas in high-risk cases and in preventing recurrences after treatment.