Clinical and prognostic significance of matrix metalloproteinase-7 and vascular endothelium growth factor in patients with ovarian cancer

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is able to cleave almost all the elements of the extracellular matrix. It is believed that due to its ability to degrade the basal membrane, it is involved in the processes of invasion, metastasis and neoangiogenesis. Vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) has demonstrated its role in tumor progression. Subjects and methods. The study included 65 patients with tumors of the ovary, 44 cancer was diagnosed. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we determined the content of MMP-7 and VEGF in the serum and tumor tissue in patients with tumors of the ovary. Results. Serum levels of MMP-7 and VEGF are positively correlated with the prevalence of ovarian cancer (OC). In the tissue of adenocarcinoma of the ovary are determined higher levels of MMP-7 and VEGF than in tissue of benign tumors. In the tumor tissue of OC registered positive correlation between VEGF and MMP-7 (r=0.6); p=0.0001. The period of observation did not exceed 2 years from the start of treatment, median follow-up time was 14 months. Only the size of residual tumor after cytoreductive surgery is significantly associated with long-term results. Communication levels of MMP-7 with long-term results of treatment of OC patients is not established. Two-year disease-free survival in patients with baseline serum VEGF value of more than 440 PG/ml was 24%, less than 440 PG/ml - 55%. Conclusions. The levels of MMP-7 and VEGF in tumor tissue and serum in patients with OC increase with the prevalence and aggressiveness of tumor process. Elevated levels of VEGF can be considered as a factor of poor prognosis in patients with OC.