Matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity is associated with poor prognosis in T3-T4 node-negative colorectal cancer

Hum Pathol. 2007 Nov;38(11):1603-10. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2007.03.018. Epub 2007 Jul 31.

Abstract

Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) is a novel membrane-anchored matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor. RECK, MMP-2, and MMP-9 are believed to play crucial roles in tumor progression. This study was designed to examine the prognostic value of RECK, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in conjunction with other clinicopathologic factors in patients of T3-T4 node-negative colorectal cancer. RECK and MMP expression was observed using immunohistochemical analysis of the primary tumor from 89 patients with curatively resected T3-4 N0 colorectal cancer retrospectively. High RECK expression was observed in 51 cases, whereas expression was low in the other 38 cases. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was positive in cancer cells in 24 and 33 cases, respectively. RECK and MMP-2 expression was not significantly associated with any clinicopathologic factors. However, expression of MMP-9 was correlated with tumor location. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between RECK and MMP-2 expression, and a statistically significant correlation was found between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. However, no association between RECK and MMP-9 expression was observed. Univariate analysis demonstrated that rectal tumor location, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen more than 5 ng/mL, positive lymphatic invasion, less than 12 dissected lymph nodes, and positive MMP-9 expression were poor prognostic factors of disease-free survival. A multivariate analysis confirmed that enhanced MMP-9 expression was an independent and significant factor for prediction of a poor prognosis. In addition, positive lymphatic invasion and less than 12 dissected lymph nodes were significant negative prognostic factors. In conclusion, MMP-9 status represents a novel prognostic factor in evaluation of T3-T4 node-negative colorectal cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • RECK protein, human
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9