Cox-2 Expression In Breast Carcinoma And Its Relationship With Lymphangiogenesis And Lymph Node Metastasis

Objective To investigate the expression of cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in human breast carcinoma, the relationship between their expression and the clinicopathological features, as well as the relationship between these two parameter expression and lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.Methods COX-2 and VEGF-C expression were detected in 60 breast carcinoma samples by immunostaining. L ymphangiogenesis was evaluated by immunostaining with the specific antibody VEGFR-3.Results The expression rates of COX-2 and VEGF-C were 65.0%(39/60), 51.7%(31/60),respectively in 63 breast carcinoma specimens. VEGFR-3 was positive in 35 cases (35/60), which indicated lymphangiogenesis in the tumors. The expression of COX-2 was significantly correlated with the expression of VEGF-C, tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis (P<0.05). In addition, The expression of COX-2 and VEGF-C were significantly correlated with the clinc phase and C-erbB-2(P<0.05), however , there were no correlations with age, tumor size, ER and PR, etc(P>0.05).Conclusions In breast carcinoma, the expression rates of COX-2 is significantly associated with VEGF-C expression, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. COX-2 may up-regulate the the expression of VEGF-C, which induces lymphangiogenesis and accordingly contributes to lymphatic metastasis. Therefore, the inhibition of COX-2 and VEGF-C to obstruct tumor lymphangiogenesis is expected to be a new target of the prevention and treatment of breast carcinoma's lymph node metastasis ..