Co-expression of CD44v6 and MMP2 predicts lung metastasis and unfavorable prognosis in osteosarcoma

Aim: To evaluate the prognostic significance of CD44 variant v6 (CD44v6) and matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) expression in patients with surgically resected osteosarcoma.Methods: CD44v6 and MMP2 expression were immunohistochemically detected in 113 primary osteosarcoma patients at our institute between 2001 and 2019.Results: Both CD44v6 and MMP2 were independent predictors for metastasis-free and overall survival. An extended predictive range and improved sensitivity were observed when the combined effects of CD44v6 and MMP2 were considered. Specifically, patients with CD44v6+ and MMP2+ expression were more susceptible to lung metastasis and exhibited the poorest survival rates compared with the other groups.Conclusion: The combination of CD44v6 and MMP2 may serve as a precise prognostic indicator for predicting metastatic progression and survival outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma.