Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
COX-2 expression in malignant melanoma: a novel prognostic marker?
Maria R Becker1, Markus D Siegelin, Rainer Rompel
1Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Vossstrasse 2, Heidelberg 69115, Germany. maria.becker@web.de
Melanoma Research
|May 12, 2009
Summary
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein is highly expressed in melanoma cells and correlates with tumor thickness and patient survival. This suggests COX-2 may serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in malignant melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein is implicated in various human cancers, including malignant melanoma.
- Previous studies show conflicting results regarding COX-2 expression in melanoma cells versus inflammatory cells or metastases.
- No prior research has detailed COX-2 expression patterns during melanoma progression or its correlation with overall survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression and disease prognosis in malignant melanoma.
- To analyze COX-2 expression patterns in primary melanomas and metastases.
- To determine if COX-2 expression correlates with clinical parameters and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze COX-2 protein expression in 101 primary malignant melanomas and 28 metastases.
- Data were correlated with Breslow tumor thickness, Clark levels, melanoma subtypes, presence of metastases, and overall survival.
- Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- Strong COX-2 expression was detected in 95% of primary melanomas, predominantly within melanoma cells.
- COX-2 expression levels remained stable between primary tumors and corresponding metastases.
- A significant correlation was found between COX-2 staining intensity, tumor thickness, and disease-specific survival.
Conclusions:
- COX-2 protein is consistently expressed in melanoma cells and may be a valuable prognostic marker.
- Stable COX-2 expression from primary to metastatic disease suggests its sustained role in melanoma progression.
- The findings support COX-2 as a potential therapeutic target in malignant melanoma.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...