Evaulation of Angiogenesis and Matrix Metalloproteinase as Prognostic Markers in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung / 대한암학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In squamous cell carcinomas of the lung, the angiogenesis and the expression rates of metalloproteinase were measured to examine whether they can be useful as prognostic markers and therapeutic potentials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The angiogenesis and the expression rates of metalloproteinase were analyzed by counting the number of microvessels and immunohistochemically positive cells of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in 54 squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. RESULTS: Lymph node meatastasis group showed higher angiogenesis than non-metastasis one (p=0.008). Angiogenesis were elevated with increasing clinical stage. However, MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression rate as the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis and the clinical stages were statistically insignificant, respectively. Angiogenesis failed to demonstrate any significant correlation with the expression rates of MMPs. CONCLUSION: Our results suggests that angiogenesis level may provide informaton relevant to prognosis as well as treatment decisions.