COX-2 Expression in Gastric Cancer

We evaluated the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in the patients with gastric cancer in our region. Twenty-six patients with gastric cancer were included into the study. Tissue samples were taken from the tumors and adjacent structures. Samples were histopathologically and immunohistochemically examined. COX-2 expressions at the tumors and adjacent tissues were measured. COX-2 was positive in 16 tumor positive tissues (61%) and negative in 6 tumor tissues (23%). There was a significant difference statistically between these two groups (p=0.005). COX-2 was positive in 14 (63%) of 22 patients who had gastric cancer in intestinal type. COX-2 expression was also positive in 2 (50%) of the remaining 4 cases with gastric cancer in diffuse type. COX-2 was positive in 5 (83%) of 6 well differentiated tumors, in 3 (37%) of 8 moderately differentiated tumors and in 8 (66%) of 12 poorly differentiated tumors. COX-2 was found positive in 5 (83%) of 6 cardia tumors and in 11(55%) of 20 non-cardia tumors.