Relation between COX-2 expression and clinicopathologic data of gallbladder cancer

Abstract

Relationship between COX-2 expression and clinicopathologic data of gallbladder cancer Kyeong Geun Lee, Dongho Choi, Hwon Kyum Park, Kwang Soo Lee Department of Surgery and pathology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea BACKGROUND: Gallbladder carcinoma has been associated with a dismal prognosis. Tumorigenesis of gallbladder carcinoma is complex and not completely understood. An association of gallbladder carcinoma with cholethiasis or an anomalous arrangement of pancreaticobiliary duct suggestes progression of carcinoma. COX-2 is a rate-limiting enzyme of PG synthesis and related to chronic inflammation. Several reports suggest the close relationship between and COX-2 and gallblader cancer. METHOD: We reviewed the clinical records of 62 patients with gallbladder cancer who had undergone operation from January, 1990 to December, 1999 at Hanyang University Hospital. COX-2 expression in gallbladder cancer was evaluated with immunohistochemical staining and expression intensity was graded as 0-2. RESULTS: There were 62 patients, whose mean age was 52.5 years. The ages ranged from 28 t0 84 years. There were 27 male patients and 35 female patients. Generally, COX-2 expression was found in chronic inflammation areas and its level increased in dysplastic areas and mucosal tumors. Stromal tumor showed a relatively weaker COX-2 expression level. COX-2 expression is related to depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, stage(TNM, Nevin) in a negative way. CONCLUSIONS: Early stage gallbladder cancer shows relatively increased level of COX-2. Its increased level means that COX-2 can modulate the early stage of gallbladder cancer, can be regarded as the same one in gallbladder cacner.