Expression of COX-2 and prognostic outcome in uveal melanoma.

Purpose: The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its prognostic value in uveal melanoma was examined.

Methods: Paraffin-embedded sections from 32 clinicopathologically well-characterized cases of primary uveal melanoma were immunohistochemically stained for COX-2. COX-2 expression was evaluated in terms of both the intensity and the extent of staining for each tumor. A COX-2 score encompassing both intensity and extent was also calculated for each specimen.

Results: 29 specimens (90.6%) contained moderate or intense positive immunoreactivity for COX-2. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) between COX-2 expression (intensity and score) and metastatic death was established.

Conclusion: Upregulation of COX-2 expression appears to be associated with poor prognosis in uveal melanoma.