| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3987278 | European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO) | 2008 | 6 Pages |
AimEsophageal carcinoma is one of the most aggressive malignancies. Many studies have examined various biological factors associated with the malignant potential of esophageal carcinoma. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is overexpressed in various types of human malignancies, including esophageal carcinomas. Although some groups have described COX-2 expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma, few studies have reported COX-2 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsWe immunohistochemically investigated relationships between COX-2 overexpression in surgical specimens of primary tumors in 228 patients with ESCC. Relationships between COX-2 expression and clinicopathological factors, including prognosis, were analyzed. COX-2 expressions were classified into 4 criteria: Score 0, no staining; Score 1, <10% staining; Score 2, 10–90% staining; and Score 3, >90% staining.ResultsScores of COX-2 immunoreactivity in 228 patients were as follows: Score 0, 21 of 228; Score 1, 71of 228; Score 2, 117 of 228; and Score 3, 19 of 228, respectively. COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with depth of invasion and tumor stage (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). The 5-year survival rate of patients decreased significantly with increased expression of COX-2 (p = 0.005). Multivariate regression analysis indicated COX-2 expression as an independent prognostic factor for ESCC.ConclusionsCOX-2 overexpression was significantly correlated with depth of invasion, tumor stage and survival in ESCC. Evaluation of COX-2 expression should be useful for determining tumor properties, including prognosis, in patients with ESCC.
