Serum matrilysin (MMP7) levels are associated with progression, in curatively resected colorectal cancer (CRC) patients

Abstract

4124 Background: Matrilysin (MMP7) has been shown to be over-expressed in CRC, specially in liver metastases. Additionally MMP7 over-expression in primary tumor, predict metastatic potential in early-stage disease (Gut 12:1751;2005). As the activated pro-domain, could be detected in serum by ELISA method, we search if it could also identify a subgroup of non-metastatic CRC patients with a higher risk of relapse. Methods: Serum MMP7 (S-MMP7) was measured by commercially available ELISA, in 92 healthy controls and 175 consecutive patients before undergoing laparoscopy-assisted or open curative resection for CRC, between July 2003 to December 2004. Clinic- pathologic variables were tested for their effect on disease-free survival (DFS) in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: S-MMP7 levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in controls (p=0.02). Mean age in CRC patients was 71 years (range 31–90). Median nodal retrieval was 14 (range 0–47). The median S-MMP7 (4.9 ng/ml) was chosen for cut-off value. After a median follow- up of 26 months, the rate of DFS was 72%. Univariate analysis identified high S-MMP7 levels, CEA concentration, age, extent of primary tumor and lymph-node metastases as variables associated with DFS. Multivariate analysis identified lymph-node metastases (OR.1,88, p=0.046) and S-MMP7 (OR.1,103, p=0.039) as independent prognostics factors. Conclusions: With a short follow-up, S-MMP7 levels predict recurrence in curatively resected CRC. As a subset of these patients could be managed with secondary liver resection, S-MMP7 determination would be particularly warranted for more intensive surveillance strategies. No significant financial relationships to disclose.