Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with disruption of basement membranes of blood vessels and promotion of metastasis through the lymphatics. However, its prognostic value for survival in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of the published literature in order to clarify the impact of MMP-9. Clinical studies were selected for further analysis if they provided an independent assessment of MMP-9 in gastric cancer and reported analysis of survival data according to MMP-9 expression. A total of 11 studies, covering 1700 patients, were included for meta- analysis. A summary hazard ratio (HR) of all studies and sub-group hazard ratios were calculated. The combined HR suggested that a positive MMP-9 expression had an impact on overall survival: 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.11-1.40) in all eligible studies; 1.13 (1.06-1.20) in 8 studies detecting MMP-9 by immunohistochemistry; 1.36 (1.12-1.65) in 7 studies from Asia. Only one study for DFS showed a significant impact on disease free survival (HR 1.73, 95%CI 1.27-2.34). Our findings suggested that MMP-9 protein expression might be a factor for a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. However, the association was rather weak, so that more prospective studies should further explore the prognostic impact of MMP-9 mRNA and correlations between MMP-9 and clinicopathological characteristics.
Highlights
Despite the incidence and mortality rate of gastric cancer have fallen over past several decades, gastric cancer is still the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the world (Crew and Neugut, 2006; Brenner et al, 2009; Jemal et al, 2011)
Clinical studies were selected for further analysis if they provided an independent assessment of Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in gastric cancer and reported analysis of survival data according to Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs)-9 expression
Previous studies have suggested that MMP-9, a member of MMPs family, can degrade type IV collagen which is a major constituent of basement membranes of blood vessels and promote lymph node metastasis especially in gastric cancer (Ueda et al, 1996; Nabeshima et al, 2002)
Summary
Despite the incidence and mortality rate of gastric cancer have fallen over past several decades, gastric cancer is still the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the world (Crew and Neugut, 2006; Brenner et al, 2009; Jemal et al, 2011). Previous studies have suggested that MMP-9, a member of MMPs family, can degrade type IV collagen which is a major constituent of basement membranes of blood vessels and promote lymph node metastasis especially in gastric cancer (Ueda et al, 1996; Nabeshima et al, 2002). Its prognostic value for survival in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial. Clinical studies were selected for further analysis if they provided an independent assessment of MMP-9 in gastric cancer and reported analysis of survival data according to MMP-9 expression. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that MMP-9 protein expression might be a factor for a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. The association was rather weak, so that more prospective studies should further explore the prognostic impact of MMP-9 mRNA and correlations between MMP-9 and clinicopathological characteristics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call