Prognostic significance of KI67, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and P16INK4A in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

The increased expression levels of Ki67, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p16ink4a proteins after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer were shown to correlate with unfavorable prognosis. The level of Ki67 expression before treatment was 85 % in patients, who subsequently developed disease progression. The overall 5-year survival rates were significantly higher in cervical cancer patients with Ki67 expression of 50 %. We found the correlation between COX-2 expression and overall survival of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Thus, the 5-year survival rates were 84 % and 66% in cervical cancer patients with COX-2 expressions of 50 %, respectively. The correlation between p16ink4a expression and disease-free survival was found.