Expression of p53, p16 and cyclooxygenase-2 in esophageal cancer with tissue microarray.

Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain a comprehensive survey on the expression of p53, p16 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in esophageal cancer progression and their clinical significance.

Methods: A tissue microarray containing 86 specimens from esophageal cancer and 40 specimens from adjacent non-cancer tissue was constructed to survey the expression of p53, p16 and COX-2 by immunohistochemistry. The influence of each biomarker on the histotype of esophageal lesion was assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results: The expression of p53 and COX-2 was significantly higher in tumorous tissue than in non-tumorous tissue. As to p16, no significant difference was detected between tumorous and non-tumorous tissue. A significant correlation was observed among p53, COX-2 and p16 expression. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors of a tumorous histotype were the positive expression of p53 (odds ratio [OR] = 18.214) or COX-2 (OR = 42.703), and no reciprocal relationship to neoplastic progression was recognized with p53, p16 and COX-2.

Conclusions: p53 and COX-2 were independent predictors in esophageal carcinogenesis. Esophageal tissue with a positive expression of p53 or COX-2 was more likely to develop esophageal cancer.