Plasma concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in gastric cancer

Background The clinical significance of plasma concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) was investigated in patients with gastric cancer. Methods Plasma was obtained from 138 healthy individuals and 70 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Aichi Cancer Centre between August 1994 and July 1995. Plasma concentrations of MMP‐9 were measured using a one‐step sandwich enzyme immunoassay employing monoclonal antibodies. Results Patients with gastric cancer had plasma higher concentrations of MMP‐9 than normal subjects. Postoperative concentrations of MMP‐9 were lower than preoperative levels. In addition to patients with advanced cancer, those with early gastric cancer also exhibited higher mean values of and positivity rates for MMP‐9 than healthy individuals. Preoperative plasma MMP‐9 concentration correlated closely with Union Internacional Contra la Cancrum tumour node metastasis (pTNM) stage, severity of T, N and M classification, and tumour size. Conclusion Plasma MMP‐9 concentration can be used for detection of primary or recurrent gastric cancer, and for estimation of tumour extent.