Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 expression in vulvar cancer

Abstract

Purpose In recent years, incidence of vulvar cancer has been on the rise, whereas therapeutic options are still restricted. Therefore, new prognosticators and therapeutic targets are essential. Chronic inflammation plays an important role in carcinogenesis and COX-2, and its product prostaglandin E2 and its receptors EP1–4 are known to be important mediators in cancer initiation and progression. Methods EP1 expression in vulvar cancer specimens (n = 129) was investigated via immunohistochemistry and evaluated using the well-established immunoreactive score (IRS). Subsequently, the values were correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Results Our analysis did not reveal EP1 expression as a negative prognostic factor in overall and disease-free survival. However, in the subgroup of patients with lymph-node metastasis, overall survival was significantly shorter in tumors with high EP1 expression. Moreover, EP1 expression correlated positively with good differentiation of the tumor, but not with p16 status or COX-2 expression. Conclusions This study shed first light on EP1 expression in vulvar carcinoma. EP1 expression correlated significantly with the grading of the tumor, suggesting that it influences cell differentiation. Further research on EP1 signaling may lead to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

EP1 receptor: Devil in emperors coat

“…Welldifferentiated tumors show significantly higher EP1 expression as compared with low-grade tumors, suggesting its role in invasion and metastasis. 69 Goblet cells in the small intestine and epithelial cells in the colon express the EP1 receptor which plays an important part in colorectal cancer progression. 70,71 Downregulating the expression of EP1 receptor or antagonist against the receptor decreases the aberrant crypt foci.…”

“…In vulvar cancers, the EP1 receptor also shows increased expression and shows a strong correlation with tumor grading. Well‐differentiated tumors show significantly higher EP1 expression as compared with low‐grade tumors, suggesting its role in invasion and metastasis 69 . Goblet cells in the small intestine and epithelial cells in the colon express the EP1 receptor which plays an important part in colorectal cancer progression 70,71 .…”