MMP-2 mRNA Expression in Ovarian Cancer Tissues Predicts Patients' Response to Platinum-Taxane Chemotherapy

Background/Aim: Ovarian cancer is the most frequent cause of death in women among gynecological cancers in Poland. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are frequently dysregulated in cancers and they are considered as potential biomarkers. Our goal was to assess the associations between MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression, clinicopathological parameters and patients' response to chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: We evaluated MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissues from 44 untreated patients, four ovarian cancer cell lines, and human skin fibroblasts (HSF). The expression of both MMPs was estimated using qPCR. Results: MMP-2 expression was significantly higher (p=0.020) in EOCs sensitive to chemotherapy compared to resistant and refractory tumors. The highest MMP-2 expression was found in HSF and MMP9 expression was the highest in EOCs (p< 0.001). The expression of neither MMP was significantly associated with patients' overall survival (OS). Conclusion: MMP-2 may be engaged in early stages of ovarian carcinogenesis. MMP-2 expression in EOCs may discriminate patients with a favorable response to first line chemotherapy.