Biomarkers for glioblastoma: MMP2 and NGAL.

e13516Background: Pseudoprogression and necrosis makemagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretation challenging in glioblastoma (GBM). We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) would correlate with tumor burden in urine and serum of patients with GBM, allowing improved MRI interpretation and prediction of overall survival (OS). Methods: NGAL and MMP2 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in GBM (N = 13) and non-tumor epileptic control (N = 10) tissues taken during surgery. Serum and urine samples were collected pre and postoperatively and at each MRI for GBM patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate MMP2 and NGAL. MRI results, calculated tumor volumes (Olea Sphere 2.3), and survival were recorded. Results: NGAL expression was higher in GBM versus control tissues. Preoperative serum MMP2 was significantly higher in GBM versus controls (p = 0.0112) and was highest in patients who only underwent biopsy (p = 0.0038). Se...