IMPACT OF CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 EXPRESSION ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN ATHLETES WITH COLORECTAL CANCER: A COMPREHENSIVE META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression as a predictive marker in athletes diagnosed with colorectal cancer, examining its relationship with clinical and pathological features. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and Cochrane Library, targeting studies that investigated COX-2 expression in colorectal cancer among athletes. Data extraction and meta-analysis were carried out using Stata software. Results: A total of 14 studies encompassing 1200 patients were included. Findings highlighted significantly higher levels of COX-2 expression in cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. COX-2 expression was closely linked with advanced tumor stages and poor cellular differentiation, indicating its potential role in aggressive disease progression among athletes. Conclusion: Elevated COX-2 expression is strongly associated with more severe clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer among athletes. These insights emphasize the importance of COX-2 as a potential therapeutic target, which could lead to improved management strategies tailored for athlete populations battling this malignancy.