Tumor associated proteases -- prognostic markers of colorectal cancer

Associations between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, 7, 9, tissue MMP inhibitor TIMP- I and plasminogen activation system components (uPA, tPA and PAl-1) plasma and/or tumor levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were evaluated in order to reveal their potential clinical implications. Two groups of CRC patients monitored for 5 or 10 years were enclosed in the study. Earlier, corresponding markers 'levels were measured in their plasma and/or tumors by immunoenzymatic techniques. High tumor PAl-I (> or =1 4,0 ng/mg protein) was demonstrated to be a significant, but not independent unfavorable prognostic factor for 5 and I10 years overall survival. Its role was mostly pronounced in stage II1 patients. High preoperative plasma MMP-7 and TIMP-I levels (cut-offs - 4,0 and 347 ng/ml respectively) were shown to be independent unfavorable prognostic factors, and univariate analysis revealed unfavorable prognostic value of high tumor MMP-7 content (> or =7,8 ng/mg protein) in patients with disseminated process.