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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
Published on: January 22, 2018
[COX- 2 expression in gastric cancer and its relationship with lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis]
1Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200025, China.
Objective:
To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in human gastric cancer, the relationship between their expression and the clinicopathological features,as well as the relationship between these two parameter expression and lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.
Methods:
COX-2 and VEGF-C expressions were detected in 63 gastric cancer samples by immunostaining. Lymphangiogenesis was evaluated by immunostaining with the specific antibody LYVE-1.
Results:
The expression rates of COX-2 and VEGF-C were 66.7% (42/63), 52.4% (33/63), respectively in 63 gastric cancer specimens. LYVE-1 was positive in 35 cases (35/63), which indicated lymphangiogenesis in the tumors. The expression of COX-2 was significantly correlated with the expression of VEGF-C, tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis (P< 0.05), however not gender, tumor size, tumor location, Lauren classification and serosa invasion (P< 0.05).
Conclusions:
In gastric cancer, the expression of COX-2 is significantly associated with VEGF-C expression, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. COX-2 may up-regulate the expression of VEGF-C, which induces lymphangiogenesis and accordingly contributes to lymphatic metastasis.

