Abstract
Introduction: Nuclear factor kappa B/p65 (NF-kB/p65) regulates expression of molecules important in tumorigenesis as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Aim: To study the immunohistochemical expression of NF-kB/p65 and COX-2 in NSCLC, investigate the relationship between their expression and clinicopathological parameters, evaluate their prognostic value and impact on survival.
Patients and Methods: 50 NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study and subjected to: medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests and CT chest. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was done; biopsies were taken from visible masses and 20 mucosal biopsies as control; sent for immunohistochemical examination using anti-COX2 and anti-NF-kB/p65 antibodies.The median follow up of patients was 13 (range 4-22 months).
Results: 36 (72%) showed positive NF-kB/p65 expression, it was higher in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma than in normal biopsies. Adenocarcinoma showed higher NF-kB/p65 positivity compared to squamous and large cell carcinomas with significant relationship between NF-kB/p65 expression and overall survival.
45 (90%) showed positive COX-2 expression, no expression in normal biopsies. COX-2 expression was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma compared to squamous and large cell carcinomas. NF-kB/p65 and COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and grade. Significant positive relationship was found between NF-kB/p65 and COX-2 expression.
Conclusions: NF-kB/P65 and COX-2 expression has a prognostic value in NSCLC, inhibition of NF-kB and COX-2 will augment the efficacy of anticancer therapy.
- © 2014 ERS