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Published on: February 28, 2019
Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in canine epithelial nasal tumors
Miriami Kleiter1, David E Malarkey, David E Ruslander
1Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. Miriam_Kleiter@ncsu.edu
Abstract:
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme upregulated in some human and animal tumors. Enzymatic products are associated with tumorigenic activities. Given the poor response of canine nasal tumors to radiation, we considered the possibility that some of this resistance may be associated with COX-2 expression. To test this, 21 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and archived biopsy samples from canine epithelial nasal tumors were analyzed for COX-2 expression using immunohistochemistry. The biopsies were collected from dogs prior to radiation therapy. COX-2 expression was present in 17 of 21 (81%) tumors. The expression was observed in several different tumor types, including nasal carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Samples from five control dogs without nasal neoplasia were also analyzed for COX-2 staining. These specimens were characterized by varying degrees of lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis with scattered regions of COX-2 positive respiratory epithelial and stromal cells. Whether the intensity and distribution of COX-2 expression in nasal tumors can be used as a prognostic marker requires further investigation. A combination therapy of irradiation and a selective COX-2 inhibitor appears worthy of clinical investigation in the treatment of canine epithelial nasal tumors.
Insights
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is often found in canine nasal tumors, potentially contributing to radiation resistance. Targeting COX-2 with inhibitors alongside radiation may improve treatment outcomes for these cancers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is upregulated in various tumors, with its products linked to cancer progression.
- Canine nasal tumors exhibit poor response to radiation therapy, suggesting underlying resistance mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in canine nasal tumors prior to radiation therapy.
- To explore the potential role of COX-2 in radioresistance of canine nasal epithelial tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze COX-2 expression in 21 canine nasal tumor biopsy samples.
- Tumor samples were collected from dogs before they received radiation therapy.
- Control samples from dogs without nasal neoplasia were also analyzed for COX-2 staining.
Main Results:
- COX-2 expression was detected in 81% (17 of 21) of canine nasal tumors.
- Expression was observed across various tumor types, including carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.
- COX-2 positive cells were also found in control samples with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of COX-2 in canine nasal tumors suggests a potential role in radiation resistance.
- Further research is needed to determine if COX-2 expression can serve as a prognostic marker.
- Combination therapy with irradiation and selective COX-2 inhibitors warrants clinical investigation for canine nasal tumors.
