Expression of extracellular matrix molecules in brain metastasis.

Background and Objectives The objectives of this study were to investigate the role of growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases in the brain metastasis. Methods Tumors from 40 patients with brain metastasis (30 lung cancer, 10 breast cancer) were studied to investigate the expression-patterns of EGFR, MT1-MMP, MMP7, and CD44 using the immunostaining and RT -PCR analysis. Results EGFR immunostaining was detected in 92% (23/25) and 70% (7/10) of brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma and breast cancer, respectively. MT1-MMP immunostaining was also detected in 80% (20/25) and 50% (5/10) of brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma and breast cancer, respectively. EGFR mRNA was detected in 83.3% (25/30) and 70% (7/10) of brain metastasis from lung cancer and breast cancer, respectively. MT1-MMP mRNA was detected in 73.3% (22/30) specimens of brain metastasis from lung cancer, and only 13.3% (4/30) specimens of these patients expressed MMP7 mRNA. Conclusions The high expression of EGFR and MT1-MMP indicates that a extracellular matrix remodeling may be playing an important role in brain metastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:65–68. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.