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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Experimental Metastasis Assay
Published on: August 24, 2010
Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma during malignant melanoma
Carolyn Lee1, James A Ramirez, Joan Guitart
1Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. carilee@stanford.edu
Background:
Cancer chemoprevention using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is frequently attributed to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, although recent studies suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) may also be involved. While surgical excision remains the treatment mainstay for localized malignant melanoma, certain high-risk patients may benefit from adjunctive chemotherapy. In this study, we compared COX-2 and PPARgamma immunohistological staining in benign nevi, primary melanomas and metastatic melanomas to help predict the effectiveness of compounds targeting these markers.
Methods:
COX-2 and PPARgamma immunohistological staining was performed and reviewed in 99 melanocytic lesions, including 38 benign nevi, 32 primary melanomas and 29 metastatic melanomas.
Results:
There was a significant increase in both COX-2 and PPARgamma immunostaining in melanomas compared with benign nevi. Metastatic melanomas were more likely to have a higher number of PPARgamma-immunopositive cells. They were also more likely to express COX-2 than primary melanomas. Neither COX-2 nor PPARgamma expression was associated with a specific pathologic subtype.
Conclusions:
COX-2 and PPARgamma may help modulate the progression of melanocytic precursor lesions to disseminated malignant melanoma. As such, they may serve as candidate substrates for targeted cancer therapies and may be particularly useful as adjuncts to surgery.
Insights
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) are increasingly expressed in melanoma. These markers may predict melanoma progression and serve as targets for cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for cancer chemoprevention are linked to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, with emerging evidence for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) involvement.
- Malignant melanoma treatment relies on surgical excision, but high-risk cases may benefit from chemotherapy.
- Investigating COX-2 and PPARgamma expression aids in predicting therapeutic responses to targeted agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare COX-2 and PPARgamma immunohistological staining in benign nevi, primary melanomas, and metastatic melanomas.
- To assess the potential of these markers in predicting melanoma progression and therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Conducted immunohistochemical staining for COX-2 and PPARgamma.
- Analyzed 99 melanocytic lesions: 38 benign nevi, 32 primary melanomas, and 29 metastatic melanomas.
Main Results:
- Both COX-2 and PPARgamma expression were significantly elevated in melanomas compared to benign nevi.
- Metastatic melanomas showed higher PPARgamma-immunopositive cell counts and increased COX-2 expression versus primary melanomas.
- No association was found between COX-2 or PPARgamma expression and specific pathologic subtypes.
Conclusions:
- COX-2 and PPARgamma may play a role in the progression from precursor lesions to metastatic melanoma.
- These markers show potential as therapeutic targets for cancer therapies, particularly as adjuncts to surgical treatment.
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