Survival in small cell lung cancer is independent of tumor expression of VEGF and COX-2.

Background: Preclinical data suggests that VEGF and COX-2 are potentially important mediators in the pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Little is known about the frequency of tumor expression of VEGF and COX-2 in SCLC or the prognostic significance of this expression. Materials and Methods: Clinical records from 54 cases of SCLC were reviewed. Immunohistochemical stains for VEGF and COX-2 were performed on all tumor specimens. Results: Tumor VEGF expression was detected in 43 cases (81%) and COX-2 expression in 11 (20%). No significant association between VEGF or COX-2 expression and survival was observed. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess the frequency and clinical significance of tumor VEGF and COX-2 expression in a large group of patients with SCLC. In this cohort, neither VEGF nor COX-2 expression impacted survival. The frequency of VEGF expression suggests that it merits further investigation as a therapeutic target in SCLC.