Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Human Breast Carcinoma: Relevance to Tumor Angiogenesis and Expression of Estrogen Receptor.
- Author:
Haeng Ji KANG
1
;
Gu GONG
;
Se Jin JANG
;
Pa Jong JUNG
;
Chan Kum PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Breast neoplasm;
Cyclooxygenase-2;
Angiogenesis;
Estrogen receptor
- MeSH:
Antibodies, Monoclonal;
Breast Neoplasms*;
Breast*;
Cyclooxygenase 2*;
Epithelial Cells;
Estrogens*;
Humans*;
Neoplasm Metastasis
- From:Cancer Research and Treatment
2001;33(4):286-295
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study investigates the COX-2 expression in human primary breast carcinomas and its relationship with both angiogenesis and the expression of estrogen receptor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: COX-2 expression, angiogenesis, and estrogen receptor expression were examined by immunohistochemical methods in 167 human breast carcinomas by using monoclonal antibodies against COX-2, CD34, and estrogen receptor protein. RESULTS: Although COX-2 was expressed in 77.8% of the breast carcinomas (130/167) regardless of histological types, it was not detected at all in benign epithelial cells. Interestingly, COX-2 expression was found to be significantly correlated with tumor angiogenesis (p=0.004), but not with estrogen receptor and other histopathologic parameters. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that COX-2 expression occurs frequently in breast tissue during transformation of benign epithelial cells to malignant cells regardless of the estrogen receptor status. COX-2 expression may play a role in tumor angiogenesis that is responsible for tumor growth and metastasis.
