According to a study from the United States, "Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways may have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). COX-2 is overexpressed in both premalignant lesions and invasive HNSCC."
"We examined COX-2 expression by immunohistochemistry in normal tissues, different stages of premalignant lesions, and carcinoma in situ (CIS). We also evaluated the correlation between COX-2 expression and clinical characteristics of HNSCC patients. Tissue specimens were obtained from the following: premalignant lesions from 25 subjects enrolled in a biochemoprevention trial, tumor samples collected at diagnosis from 38 HNSCC patients enrolled in an induction chemotherapy trial, and normal control tissues from 10 noncancer, nonsmoking subjects. COX-2 was expressed in early and intermediate stages of premalignant lesions, increasing first in the basal and parabasal layers, then lower spinous, and upper spinous layers. This correlation was noted in normal epithelium (P Head and Neck Cancer).
The researchers concluded: "Further validation of COX-2 expression is needed in prospective ongoing chemoprevention trials."
Saba and colleagues published the results of their research in Cancer Prevention Research (Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Tumor Progression and Survival of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Prevention Research, 2009;2(9):823-829).
For additional information, contact N.F. Saba, Emory University, Winship Cancer Institute, Dept. of Hematology & Med Oncology, 1365 Clifton Rd. Bldg C, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
The publisher of the journal Cancer Prevention Research can be contacted at: American Association Cancer Research, 615 Chestnut St., 17TH Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, USA.
Copyright 2009, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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