NGAL/MMP-9 as a Biomarker for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Case-Control Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are often diagnosed late due to lack of specific symptoms and efficient tumor markers. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin/matrix metallopeptidase-9 (NGAL/MMP-9) complex are involved in the development and progression of various cancers and have potential as a biomarker for diagnosing ovarian cancer.

To compare the serum NGAL/MMP-9 complex levels in patients with EOC, benign ovarian tumor, and healthy controls, and determine the potential cut-off values of NGAL/MMP-9 complex for diagnosing EOC.

The study included 50 patients each with EOC and benign ovarian tumor, along with 50 age-matched healthy controls (N = 150). The level of serum NGAL/MMP-9 complex was estimated based on sandwich ELISA. The mean and median of the three groups were compared, and the ROC curve was used to determine the optimum cut-off, sensitivity, and specificity of serum NGAL/MMP-9 complex levels in the diagnosis of EOC.

A significant difference was found in the median values of the NGAL/MMP-9 complex (malignant EOC: 67.5 ng/ml, benign ovarian tumor: 53.7 ng/ml, controls: 29.2 ng/ml; P < 0.01). NGAL/MMP-9 complex level was also significantly associated with the FIGO staging (Stages I and II: 42.9 ng/ml; Stages III and IV: 70.5 ng/ml; P < 0.003). At a 55.0 ng/ml cut-off value, the NGAL/MMP-9 complex had 82.0% sensitivity and 78.0% specificity in diagnosing EOC.

The NGAL/MMP-9 complex may be a promising biomarker for determining the progression of EOC as well as in detecting advanced-stage ovarian cancer.