Abstract
COX-2 expression in primary lesions, as well as lymph node metastases, appears to identify HNSCC patients at higher risk in all tumor sites. Adjuvant therapeutic approaches targeting COX-2 might be a promising tool in this patient population.
Highlights
Cyclooxygenases (COX) catalyze the synthesis of prostanoids from arachidonic acid, present as two isoforms, namely COX-1 and COX2
The results of the present study show a higher expression for COX-2 in the advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) compared with the early-stage HNSCC in the primary tumor as well as metastatic lymph nodes
Overexpression of COX-2 in primary tumors as well as metastatic lymph nodes was associated with decreased overall survival (OS) rates compared to low COX-2 expression
Summary
Cyclooxygenases (COX) catalyze the synthesis of prostanoids from arachidonic acid, present as two isoforms, namely COX-1 and COX2. The most prevalent type of cancer in the head and neck region is squamous cell carcinoma, with an overall poor outcome in part due to the early spread of metastatic cells. H-score for COX-2 expression in the primary lesion as well as metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher in the advanced stages compared with the early stages, with no significant differences among tumor locations. High COX-2 expression in primary lesions as well as metastatic lymph nodes was associated with poorer overall survival rates at a mean follow-up of 83.4 months (6 - 204 months). COX-2 expression in primary lesions as well as lymph node metastases appears to identify HNSCC patients at higher risk in all tumor sites. Identifying new molecular targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) might contribute to improving cancer treatment and patients’ overall prognosis. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in various cells, whereas COX-2 is an Received: June 8, 2017; Accepted: July 10, 2017; Published: August 11, 2017
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