Matrix metalloproteinase-2 immunoreactive protein as a prognostic marker in bladder cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in bladder cancer specimens and evaluate its value as a prognostic biomarker. MMPs, particularly MMP-2, play an important role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis in several human cancers.


METHODS
The MMP-2 protein was assayed semiquantitatively in 54 primary bladder carcinomas of varying grade and stage. A specific monoclonal antibody for MMP-2 was used to detect the antigen by a semiquantitative immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded tissue sections.


RESULTS
Of the 54 specimens, 35 (65%) overexpressed MMP-2 protein when stained sections were scored independently by three observers. A consensus score was established before clinical data analysis. The 5-year disease-specific survival was significantly (P = 0.0335) lower in the MMP-2 positive cases (n = 35) than in the MMP-2 negative cases (n = 19), 53% versus 77%. The 5 and 10-year relapse-free survival rate was 32% and 24% in the MMP-2 positive patients, respectively, compared with 68% for the MMP-2 negative patients (P = 0.0718). MMP-2 overexpression correlated with bladder cancer stage but not with grade, partly contrary to previous observations.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrated that MMP-2 protein overexpression may be an independent prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer progression.
Vasala
Kaija
K
Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
Pääkkö
Paavo
P
Turpeenniemi-Hujanen
Taina
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2