MMP-2 and MMP-9 in lymph-node-positive bladder cancer. Issue 12 (21st June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seiler, Roland; Thalmann, George N; Fleischmann, Achim
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 64:Issue 12(2011)
• Page Start: 1078
• Page End: 1082
• Publication Date: 2011-06-21
• Subjects: MMP-2 -- MMP-9 -- tissue microarray -- bladder cancer -- lymph-node metastases -- invasion front -- bladder -- cancer -- surgical pathology -- uropathology; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2011-200153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, participate in tumour progression and metastasis in various cancers. Their significance in urothelial cancer of the bladder (UCB) is unclear. Expression analysis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tissue microarrays (TMA) constructed of corresponding samples from histopathological normal urothelium, tumour centre and invasion front of primary tumours and lymph-node (LN) metastases might help to elucidate their relevance in UCB. Method: MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was evaluated in TMA of 150 surgically treated LN-positive UCB patients. Biomarker expression was correlated with tumour characteristics (primary tumour and LN stage, number, total diameter and extracapsular extension of LN metastases) and overall survival. Results: While there was a significant increase in MMP-9 expression from normal urothelium over primary tumours to metastases (median scores: 20, 50, 65; p<0.005), no such trend was observed in MMP-2 (median scores: 5, 22, 10; p<0.005). A comparison of expression in the tumour centre and the invasion front showed no difference in both MMP. No association between expression and histopathological tumour characteristics was identified. There was a non-significant trend for a more favourable outcome for patients with high MMP-2 expression in primary tumours. Conclusion: In LN-positive UCB, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was not increased at the invasion front, suggesting an infiltration strategy independent of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Larger series are needed to detect a potential significant trend for favourable outcome in cancers with high MMP-2 expression.