Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in tumour and stroma compartments in cervical cancer: clinical implications
2002

COX-2 Expression in Cervical Cancer

Sample size: 99 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Ferrandina G, Lauriola L, Zannoni G F, Distefano M G, Legge F, Salutari V, Gessi M, Maggiano N, Scambia G, Ranelletti F O

Primary Institution: Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

Hypothesis

This study aims at investigating the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 expression in tumour vs stroma inflammatory compartment and its possible clinical role.

Conclusion

The study showed that assessing COX-2 status in both tumour and stroma compartments can help identify cervical cancer patients with poor chances of treatment response and unfavorable prognosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • High COX-2 expression in tumour cells is associated with poor treatment response.
  • Patients with a high tumour/stroma COX-2 IDV ratio had a shorter overall survival rate.
  • COX-2 status in stroma inflammatory cells is associated with better clinical outcomes.

Takeaway

This study looked at a protein called COX-2 in cervical cancer and found that how much of it is in the tumor compared to the surrounding tissue can help doctors understand how well a patient might respond to treatment.

Methodology

Immunostaining of tumour tissue sections was performed with antibodies against COX-2 and other markers to characterize stroma inflammatory cells in cervical tumours.

Participant Demographics

Median age was 51 years (range 24–76); included stage IB-IV cervical cancer patients.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 35–71

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600578

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