Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Fabrication of Tongue Extracellular Matrix and Reconstitution of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro
08:15

Fabrication of Tongue Extracellular Matrix and Reconstitution of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro

Published on: June 20, 2018

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Michael Ryott1, Linda Marklund, Darawalee Wangsa

  • 1Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. michael.ryott@karolinska.se

Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine : Official Publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology
|April 13, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is expressed in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). While COX-2 intensity correlates with advanced stage and decreases post-radiation, it does not predict patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research
  • Immunohistochemistry

Background:

  • Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is linked to poor outcomes in various cancers.
  • Carcinogenesis may involve intracellular changes driven by COX-2 induction.
  • Selective COX-2 inhibitors are explored as adjunct cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prognostic significance of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess COX-2 expression in 76 stage-matched OTSCC biopsies.
  • Samples were collected between January 2000 and December 2004 in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Twelve additional samples were analyzed post-pre-operative radiotherapy.

Main Results:

  • All OTSCC specimens exhibited COX-2 expression via immunostaining.
  • COX-2 staining intensity significantly increased with tumor stage (P=0.020).
  • Post-radiation, 50% of surgical specimens showed reduced COX-2 immunostaining (P=0.031).
  • No correlation was found between COX-2 expression and patient survival.

Conclusions:

  • Cyclooxygenase-2 expression demonstrates limited prognostic value in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Further research may be needed to clarify the role of COX-2 in OTSCC progression and treatment response.

More Related Videos

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma12:03

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: July 25, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...