Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, have been reported as putative tumor markers because of their involvement in cancer invasion and metastasis. The aim of our study was to elucidate the possible role of MMP-2 and -9 as serum prognostic biomarker for breast cancer classification and correlate it with the clinicopathological variables.
Design and methods: Our study consisted of 60 females with primary breast cancer, 40 cases of benign breast disease and 60 healthy female volunteers as controls. The serum MMP-2 and -9 levels were quantitatively measured by ELISA technique.
Results: A significantly raised MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were observed in breast cancer patients. Significant rise in serum MMP-9 concentration was found in patients presenting with metastasis as well as in those cases who presented with a duration of less than 1year. ROC analyses depicted a serum cutoff value of 315ng/mL for MMP-9 to discriminate the breast cancer patients from the control group.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that serum MMP-9 level is a better marker than serum MMP-2 in predicting the breast cancer development and progression.
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