CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 GENE-EXPRESSION IN HUMAN BREAST-CANCER

Expression of the inducible isoform of the cyclooxygenase gene (PGHS-2 , COX-2) which codes for the enzyme that catalyzes formation of prosta glandins, was detected in 13/13 human breast tumors of high grade but not in samples of normal breast tissue. There was a statistically sign ificant linear association between COX-2 gene expression and high (>50 %) tumor cell density (p<0.01), with COX-2 protein localized to tumor cells. These results indicate that COX-2 gene expression may be useful as a molecular biomarker for human breast tumors and may also predict sensitivity to treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.