Cyclooxygenase 2 expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and vulvar cancer

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to describe the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and vulvar cancer specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Archived tissues from 21 cases including 6 cases negative for CIN (no CIN), 71 low-grade (CIN 1) diseases, 8 high-grade (CIN 2, 3) diseases, and 14 vulvar cancer cases were examined. Immunohistochemistry was evaluated in COX-2 expression in tissue using an isoform-specific COX-2 polyclonal antibody. Specimens were assigned an immunohistochemical score for intensity of staining and the percent of cells stained. The slides were scored by 2 independent pathologists and compared across histological categories. RESULTS. A greater proportion of cells were stained in specimens with high-grade CIN (p = 0.01). Staining intensity was not statistically different among the 3 groups. Higher scores were found for vulvar cancer as compared with normal vulva (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS. The increase in COX-2 in cervical cancer precursors may provide a potential target for prevention studies.