COX-2 Expression in Breast Carcinoma with Correlation to Clinicopathological Parameters

Abstract

Objective: Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor and the leading cause of carcinoma deaths in<br />women. Its etiology is multifactorial, implicating reproductive factors, hormonal imbalances and genetic predispositions.<br />Studies have shown that Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and increased expression<br />has been regarded as a poor prognostic factor. The objective of our study is 1. To study COX-2 expression in normal<br />breast tissue, DCIS and invasive breast cancer. 2. To determine COX-2 expression with clinicopathological prognostic<br />parameters. Methods: Radical mastectomy specimens were studied for COX-2 expression by immunohistochemistry<br />in 50 patients diagnosed as breast carcinoma. COX-2 expression is quantified as IHS Score and separately calculated<br />for normal breast epithelium near the tumor, DCIS and invasive areas. Relationship between COX-2 expression with<br />various clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. Result: The results of our study suggest an association of the<br />expression of COX-2 to the factors associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer, such as larger tumor size, positive<br />lymph node status, higher T stage and N stage and lymphovascular invasion. There was a higher COX-2 expression<br />in the DCIS component as compared to the invasive ductal carcinoma component and the adjoining breast epithelium.<br />Conclusion: Our study established the role of COX-2 in carcinogenesis and its association with adverse prognostic<br />factors.