Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in primary and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.

Abstract

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in the development and progression of many tumors, and its inhibition has been shown to block tumor growth. This study examined COX-2 expression in primary and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 26 primary MCCs and 7 lymph node metastases were stained immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antibody directed against COX-2, and the percentage and intensity of staining were analyzed semiquantitatively. Immunopositivity for COX-2 was found in 20 primary tumors (77%), and was diffuse in 16 of them (80%). Staining intensity was strong in 5 tumors (19%), moderate in 6 (23%), and weak in 9 (35%). Five metastases (71%) showed similar staining. Prominent mitotic activity was associated with more diffuse COX-2 immunopositivity. No association was found between COX-2 expression and outcome. This study confirms that most MCCs express COX-2 and shows that COX-2 expression is related to one parameter of aggressive behavior--a high mitotic rate--but not to any others. The possibility of treating MCC with COX-2 inhibitors should be considered.

• Authors: Zohar Joachims, Raphael Feinmesser, Ofer Purim, Marisa Halpern, Baruch Brenner, Eyal Fenig, Pepi Roizman, Jaqueline Sulkes, Meora Feinmesser
• Journal: Applied immunohistochemistry & molecular morphology : AIMM (Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol) Vol. 16 Issue 5 Pg. 442-6 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 1533-4058 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18594470 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• PTGS2 protein, human

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Carcinoma, Merkel Cell (enzymology, pathology, secondary)
• Cyclooxygenase 2 (biosynthesis, genetics, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mitosis (genetics, immunology)
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Skin Neoplasms (enzymology, pathology)