Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 related to angiogenesis in uterine cervical cancers

Angiogenesis is essential for development, growth and advancement of solid tumors. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is recognized as an angiogenic factor in various tumors. This prompted us to study the clinical implications of COX-2 expression related to angiogenesis in uterine cervical cancers. There was a significant correlation between microvessel counts and COX-2 levels in uterine cervical cancers. COX-2 localized in the cancer cells, but not in the stromal cells of uterine cervical cancer tissues. COX-2 levels increased with advancement, and the prognosis of the 30 patients with high COX-2 expression in uterine cervical cancers was poor (60%), while the 24-month survival rate of the other 30 patients with low COX-2 expression was 90%. Furthermore, COX-2 levels significantly correlated with VEGF levels in uterine cervical cancers. VEGF associated with COX-2 might work on angiogenesis in advancement. Therefore, long-term administration of COX-2 inhibitors might be effective on the suppression of regrowth or recurrence after intensive treatment for advanced uterine cervical cancers.