Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Its Association with Clinicopathologic Factors
Amir Hossein Jafarian, Melika Kooshki Forooshani, Hossein Reisi, Nema Mohamadian Roshan
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) is one of the most important enzymes to breakdown extracellular matrix which plays a major role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to determine tumor MMP-9 expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and whether it is associated with histopathologic factors and has prognostic value to affect overall survival (OS). METHODS: The specimens of 92 patients with NSCLC diagnosis were included. Tumor sections were stained by immunohistochemistry method. Using scores for the percentage of cells positively stained and the intensity of staining, MMP-9 expression total score was classified as low-score (scores of 0 to 2), moderate-score (scores of 3 to 5), or high-score (scores of 6 or 7). OS was defined as the time interval since the diagnosis of NSCLC to the status at the last follow-up (dead or alive). The follow up period was up to 70 months. RESULTS: <0.001). CONCLUSION: MMP-9 expression may serve as a significant prognostic factor for mortality and overall survival in NSCLC. Undifferentiated tumors significantly express higher MMP-9 immunohistochemically.