Cyclo-oxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in colorectal cancer patients

Introduction: Colonic neoplastic lesions represent a common health problem in Egypt. Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the common malignancies among Egyptians. There is considerable interest in the involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colon carcinogenesis and its progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well characterized tumor angiogenesis factor which has a role in the development, progression and risk of metastases of CRC The aim of the present study was to explore the correlation between COX-2 and VEGF colon tissue expression profile in colorectal cancer patients with a special emphasis on clinicopathological features. Patients and methods: This study was carried out on 40 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). CT and Colonoscopy were mandatory for staging and grading. CRC classification, grading and staging was done following the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Results: Contralateral site control biopsies were totally negative for both biomarkers in the CRC patients. COX-2 VEGF were over expresed intensly in the advanced stage and grade of the postive expression in the CRC samples obtaind during surgery. Conclusion: The over-expression of COX-2 and VEGF in colorectal cancer suggests the role of both of them as a risk biomarker particularly in patients with advanced stage and grade.