The Possible Role of Matrix Metalloprotienase-2 in the Relapse in Patients with Stage II Colon Cancer Treated by Curative Surgery

Murray, Nigel P; Villalon, Ricardo; Aedo, Socrates; Hartmann, Dan; Rodriguez, Maria P

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.10.3373

The Possible Role of Matrix Metalloprotienase-2 in the Relapse in Patients with Stage II Colon Cancer Treated by Curative Surgery

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Faculty of Medicine, University Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile.

² Department of Coloproctology, Hospital de Carabineros de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

³ Department of Medicine, Hospital de Carabineros de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.10.3373

Abstract

Aims: To determine the association of micro-metastatic matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression, the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC)) and outcome in stage II colon cancer. Materials and Methods: A single centre, prospective observational study, one month post-surgery blood for ALC, circulating tumour cell (CTC) detection and a bone marrow biopsy for micro-metastasis detection were obtained. CTCs were detected using differential gel centrifugation and immunocytochemistry with anti-CEA and anti-MMP-2, the bone marrow biopsy for the detection of micro-metastasis was processed as for CTCs . At each follow-up ALC and CTC counts were determined. Bone marrow sampling was repeated if the ALC decreased by >10%, at relapse or at the end of the study period. Three MRD subgroups were defined, Group I MRD negative, Group II only positive for micro-metastasis and Group III in which CTCs were detected. Results: One hundred and eighty one patients participated; 105 (58%) patients formed Group 1, 36 (20%) formed Group II and 40 (22%) formed Group III for a median follow-up of 4 years . Of Group I 3/105 (3%), Group II 16/36 (44%) and Group III 34/40 (84%) patients relapsed. The ALC was significantly higher in Groups I and II, the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-2 score in Group II was significantly lower than in Group III patients. A low ALC was associated with a higher expression of MMP-2 in the micro-metastasis and presence of CTCs. Conclusions: Patients with stable ALCs did not relapse; decreasing ALCs were associated with increasing MMP-2 scores, the appearance of CTCs and relapse.

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