| Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Human Breast Carcinoma: Relevance to Tumor Angiogenesis and Expression of Estrogen Receptor |
| Haeng Ji Kang, Gu Gong, Se Jin Jang, Pa Jong Jung, Chan Kum Park |
1Department of Pathology, Hanyang University College ofMedicine, Seoul, Korea.
2Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College ofMedicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Published online: August 31, 2001. |
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| 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. |
| Key words:
Breast neoplasm;Cyclooxygenase-2;Angiogenesis;Estrogen receptor |
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