Cox-2 in non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: We investigated the prognostic value of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) for survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of literature to aggregate the available survival results, using studies published in English until June 2012. Eligible studies dealt with COX-2 protein assessment in NSCLC patients on primary lesions and reported survival data according to COX-2 expression.

Results: Nineteen trials, comprising 2651 patients, provided sufficient information for the meta-analysis. Overall combined hazard ratio (HR) was 1.86 (95% CI: 1.58-2.20); it was calculated using a random-effects model, and associates high COX-2 expression with poor survival in all NSCLC patients. Aggregate survival data showed poor survival for patients with adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell cancer (SCC) and Stage I NSCLC with high COX-2 expression, at 2.00 (95% CI: 1.38-2.88), 2.29 (95% CI: 1.58-3.33) and 1.95 (95% CI: 1.31-2.91) respectively.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis shows that the COX-2 expression status is an independent prognostic factor in NSCLC, and this tendency applies to SCC, ADC and stage I NSCLC.