Abstract
Purpose:
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has previously been shown to have an influential role in tumorigenesis in a variety of malignancies. The objective of this study was to examine COX-2 expression and function in primary uveal melanoma and uveal melanoma cell lines and to evaluate correlation with histological, genetic, and clinical markers.
Methods:
The expression of COX-2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The cytotoxicity of COX-2 inhibitor Celecoxib was assessed on five uveal melanoma cell lines (C918, OCM3, MEL270, MEL202, 92.1) using in-vitro cell proliferation assay.
Results:
Using immunohistochemistry, 4 of the 15 specimens (26.7%) showed intense staining for COX-2. No statistically significant associations (p <0.05) were identified between COX-2 expression and survival, cell type, tumor size, tumor genetics, pattern distribution, or tumor invasion. The IC50 ranged from 11.4 to 29.3 microMolar in the tested cell lines.
Conclusions:
Increased COX-2 expression does not appear to be strongly correlated with poor prognostic indicators in primary uveal melanoma. COX-2 could be a potential adjuvant therapy in a small subset of patients.
Keywords: 744 tumors •
419 anatomy •
638 pathology: human