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Published on: August 23, 2019
VEGF-C and COX-2 expression in papillary thyroid cancer
Päivi Siironen1, Ari Ristimäki, Kirsi Narko
1Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P O Box 340, FIN-00029 HUCH, Helsinki, Finland.
Endocrine-Related Cancer
|May 27, 2006
Summary
Age impacts papillary thyroid cancer prognosis. This study found increased vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression with age, correlating with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and poorer outcomes in older patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Age is a critical prognostic factor in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
- Previous research indicated higher cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in older PTC patients, correlating with worse prognosis.
- Emerging evidence suggests COX-2 may upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in VEGF-C expression in PTC.
- To determine the correlation between VEGF-C and COX-2 expression in PTC.
- To explore the clinical significance of VEGF-C in PTC patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 106 PTC patients (under 35 vs. over 55 years old).
- Immunohistochemistry used to assess VEGF-C protein expression in tissue samples.
- Quantitative RT-PCR and enzyme immunoassay investigated VEGF-C and COX-2 expression in NPA cells.
Main Results:
- VEGF-C expression was significantly higher in older PTC patients compared to younger ones.
- Tumors from older, lymph node-positive (N1) patients showed markedly increased VEGF-C expression.
- A strong positive correlation was observed between COX-2 and VEGF-C expression in tumor tissues.
- Patients who died or developed distant metastases were predominantly older and their tumors often expressed VEGF-C.
Conclusions:
- VEGF-C expression increases with age in papillary thyroid cancer.
- The correlation between COX-2 and VEGF-C suggests a shared regulatory pathway influencing PTC progression.
- VEGF-C may serve as a potential biomarker for adverse outcomes in older PTC patients.
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