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
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.