Overexpression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 is an independent predictor of unfavourable outcome in node-negative breast cancer, but is not associated with protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2, p38) activation or with Her-2/neu signalling pathways. Issue 7 (23rd February 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmitz, K J; Callies, R; Wohlschlaeger, J; Kimmig, R; Otterbach, F; Bohr, J; Lee, H-S; Takeda, A; Schmid, K W; Baba, H A
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 59:Issue 7(2006)
• Page Start: 685
• Page End: 691
• Publication Date: 2006-02-23
• Subjects: COX, cyclo-oxygenase -- ERK, extracellular regulated kinases -- FAP, familial adenomatous polyposis -- FISH, fluorescent in situ hybridisation -- IHC, immunohistochemistry -- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase -- NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug -- pAkt, phospho-Akt -- pERK, phospho-ERK -- PGE2, prostaglandin E2 -- pp38, phospho-p38 -- SSC, sodium salt citrate; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.030650
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Background and aim: The production of prostaglandins is regulated by cyclo-oxygenases (COXs), which also have a role in tumour development and progression in various malignancies, including breast cancer. The mechanisms by which COX-2 contributes to unfavourable prognosis are still poorly understood. The association between expression of COX-2 and possible linked signalling pathways—namely, Akt, extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2), the stress-activated kinase p38 or Her-2/neu—is assessed in a series of 113 node-negative breast cancers. Results: COX-2 was identified as an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.034) in node-negative breast cancer by survival analysis. The lack of a relationship between COX-2 expression and activated Akt, Erk1/2, p38 and Her-2/neu was indicated by statistical analysis. Conclusions: The prognostic effect of COX-2 expression on lymph node-negative breast cancer is confirmed—COX-2 is probably not regulated by HER-2, Akt, Erk1/2 or p38. Further studies are necessary for the elucidation of the signalling pathways responsible for the modification of COX-2 expression and the increased aggressiveness of breast cancers overexpressing COX-2.