Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in colorectal carcinoma, adenomatous polyps and non-tumour bearing margins of resection tissues in a cohort of black Africans.

Abstract

BackgroundEmerging data suggest a negative role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colorectal carcinomas (CRC). Investigating this in developing communities such as ours helps to contribute to existing understanding of these lesions.Methods and findingsFormalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CRC colectomy tissues and their corresponding non-tumour margins of resected tissues were sectioned and stained with COX-2 antibody. Adenomatous polyp tissues from non-cancer bearing individuals were similarly processed for comparison. COX-2 expression was scored for percentage ( 0.065). Tumour grade, advanced pT-stage, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, and dirty necrosis were also significantly associated with COX-2 expression (p ConclusionThis study showed a progressive increase in COX-2 expression from normal to adenomatous polyp and CRC tissues, this being associated with poorer prognostic indicators. Although COX-2 appears early in CRC, it may play a secondary role in promoting tumour growth and invasiveness.