COX-2 and PPARγ as Markers for Breast Cancer Recurrence
Author Information
Author(s): Swati Kulkarni, Deepa B Patil, Leslie K Diaz, Wiley Elizabeth L, Monica Morrow, Seema A Khan
Primary Institution: Lynn Sage Breast Center and Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University
Hypothesis
Can COX-2 and PPARγ expression levels predict the risk of recurrence in ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS)?
Conclusion
COX-2 expression is a strong risk factor for local recurrence in DCIS, while PPARγ expression may offer protection against recurrence.
Supporting Evidence
- 67% of women with strong COX-2 expression had recurrences compared to 24% without.
- 4% of cases expressed PPARγ compared to 27% of controls.
Takeaway
This study found that high levels of COX-2 in breast cancer tissue can mean a higher chance of the cancer coming back, while PPARγ might help keep it from coming back.
Methodology
A case-control study comparing women with DCIS who had recurrences to those who did not, matched by age and treatment year.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of cases from a single institution.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and missing data on some tissue cores.
Participant Demographics
Women diagnosed with DCIS, ages ranged from 35 to 80 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006 for COX-2, 0.024 for PPARγ
Confidence Interval
COX-2: 95% CI 1.72–36.23; PPARγ: 95% CI 0.06–1.84
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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