The Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Survivin in Urinary Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Background : The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and survivin in bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) that has different clinicopathologic characteristics, and we also wanted to determine if a relation exists between the COX-2 and survivin expressions. Methods : The expressions of COX-2 and survivin were investigated in 80 bladder TCCs by performing immunohistochemistry. Results : The normal bladder mucosa did not express COX-2 and survivin. COX-2 immunopositivity and cytoplasmic survivin immunopositivity were seen in 48% and 30% of bladder tumors, respectively. The expressions of COX-2 and survivin were closely related to the differentiation, depth and recurrence of bladder TCC, and there was a significant correlation in topographic distribution of COX-2 and survivin immunopositivity. In addition, COX-2 and survivin were predominantly expressed at the invasive front of tumors. Conclusions : This data suggest that COX-2 and survivin may be involved in the progression of bladder TCC, and there is a close correlation between the expressions of COX-2 and survivin.