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Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression and hormone receptor status in breast cancer
K McCarthy1, S A Bustin, B Ogunkolade
1Breast Unit, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts and The London Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7EA, UK.
Aims:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate COX-2 mRNA expression with known clinical prognostic features of breast cancer, oestrogen/progesterone receptor status, tumour size and grade.
Methods:
Total RNA was extracted from 45 frozen breast tumour (invasive) and 22 normal breast tissue samples. COX-2 mRNA transcription was quantified using a real time RT-PCR assay and expressed as copy number/microg total RNA. All specimens were assessed for tumour grade, size, nodal status and presence of vascular invasion and oestrogen and progesterone receptor status.
Results:
COX-2 mRNA was detected in all samples with a median copy number of 1.15 x 10(7) for tumours and 6.5 x 10(6) for normal samples. Expression was significantly higher in oestrogen receptor negative tumours compared to the receptor positive group. There was no correlation between COX-2 mRNA levels and tumour size, grade, nodal status and presence of vascular invasion.
Conclusions:
COX-2 mRNA expression is increased in oestrogen and progesterone receptor negative breast cancers.
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