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Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human irradiated uveal melanomas
Pinar C Ozdal1, Sonia Callejo, Amanda L Caissie
1Sehit Cevdet Ozdemir Mah., Seftali Sok.74/17, Dikmen, Ankara, 06450, Turkey. pinarozdal@hotmail.com
International Ophthalmology
|July 3, 2007
Summary
Radiotherapy did not increase cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in uveal melanomas and may even reduce it. This contrasts with other cancers, and no link was found between COX-2 and tumor regrowth after irradiation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Previous research indicates radiotherapy stimulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and COX-2 inhibitors can improve tumor cell radiosensitivity.
- Uveal melanoma is a rare intraocular malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate COX-2 expression in irradiated uveal melanomas.
- To determine the correlation between COX-2 expression and tumor regrowth post-radiotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 15 enucleated eyes with uveal melanoma treated with radiotherapy.
- Immunohistochemical staining for COX-2 expression.
- Comparison with 40 non-irradiated uveal melanoma cases.
Main Results:
- Only 13.3% of irradiated uveal melanomas showed COX-2 expression.
- No correlation was observed between COX-2 expression and tumor regrowth.
- COX-2 expression was significantly lower in irradiated cases compared to non-irradiated ones (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Contrary to findings in other cancers, radiotherapy does not induce COX-2 in uveal melanomas.
- Radiotherapy might decrease COX-2 expression in uveal melanomas.
- COX-2 expression is not associated with tumor regrowth after irradiation in this cohort.
