Increased Expression of Cyclooxygenase 2 Occurs Frequently in Human Lung Cancers, Specifically in Adenocarcinomas

摘要: Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression was immunohistochemically examined in 59 human lung cancers as well normal and premalignant specimens. In contrast to scattered weak reactivity seen peripheral airway epithelial cells, markedly up-regulated COX-2 detected about one-third of atypical adenomatous hyperplasias carcinoma situ specimens, a significant increase observed 70% invasive adenocarcinoma cases. Interestingly, the proportion cells with marked much greater lymph node metastases than corresponding primary tumors. contrast, small cell carcinomas showed virtually negligible expression, squamous infrequent low expression. These findings suggest that an may be associated development adenocarcinomas possibly acquisition metastatic phenotype.