Positive correlation between cyclooxygenase 2 and the expression of ABC transporters in non-small cell lung cancer

Anticancer Res. 2008 Sep-Oct;28(5B):2967-74.

Abstract

Background: The primary method of treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in stage IIIB and IV is chemotherapy. Previous data suggested a correlation between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and the multidrug-resistant phenotype of cancer cells.

Materials and methods: In this prospective study, 32 patients with NSCLC in stage IIIB and IV from 1,078 patients were included. The expression of COX-2 as well as the expression of the ABC transporters MDR1/P-glycoprotein (MDR1/P-gp), BCRP and MRP1 were detected immunohistochemically.

Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated no prognostic or predictive significance of these proteins. It was merely demonstrated that complete or partial response are favourable factors for prediction of longer progression-free survival time. However, a strong positive correlation between the expression of COX-2, MDR1/P-gp and BCRP was found in NSCLC.

Conclusion: These data suggest no clinical impact for the expression of MDR1/P-gp, MRP1, BCRP or COX-2 in NSCLC, but a putative coregulation of COX-2 and MDRI/P-gp and BCRP in NSCLC.

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / biosynthesis*
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / enzymology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / biosynthesis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prospective Studies
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Cyclooxygenase 2