Correlation of Radiologic and Pathologic Lymph Non Involvement with TIMP-2 ( tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 ) in Gastric and Colon Carcinomas / 대한암학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between the expression of TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2) and negative lymph node involvement of colon and gastric carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 26 cases (13 each) of gastric and colon carcinoma specimens along with dissected lymph nodes by immunohistochemical staining to investigate the correlation of the expression of TIMP-2. Lymph nodes involvement by CT scan was defined by size criteria and the presence of central low density. RESULTS: Eight cases with positive lymph node involvement by CT scan showed weak expression of TIMP-2. Ten cases with positive lymph node involvement had weak expression of TIMP-2. Among eight cases with strong expression of TIMP-2 7 patients were negative by radiologic exam. Good correlation between strong TIMP-2 expression and negative lymph node involvement by CT scan was found (<0.05). CONCLUSION: As the expression of TIMP-2 had a good correlation with radiologic involvement of lymph nodes, the study of expression of TIMP-2 in patients with stomach and colon carcinoma might be helpful in planning surgery and predicting the prognosis.