Relationship between expressions of COX-2.VEGF-C in breast cancer and lymphatic metastasis

Objective To detect the expressions of COX-2 and VEGF-C in breast cancer and to explore the relationship between their expressions and lymphatic metastasis. Methods Immunohistochemical stai- ning (SABC) was used to detect the expressions of COX-2 and VEGF-C proteins in 60 cases of breast canc- er. Results The positive rate of COX-2 and VEGF-C in breast cancer were 66.7% and 60. 0%, and the expression of COX-2 was positively correlated with VEGF-C (r =0.429, P<0.05). COX-2 and VEGF-C expressions were positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis (P<0.05). The lymphatic metastasis rate in the positive group of COX-2 and VEGF-C were higher than that in the negative group of COX-2 and VEGF-C. Conclusion Over expression of COX-2 and VEGF-C were observed in breast cancer, and closely related to lymphatic metastasis. COX-2 has positive correlation with VEGF-C and was correlated with lym- phatic metastasis of breast cancer. COX-2 may promote the over expression of VEGF-C in tumor cells and cause lymphatic metastasis. Key words: breast cancer;  lymphatic metastasis; cyclooxyenase-2 (COX-2) ;  vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)