The value of sequential serum measurements of gelatinases and tissue inhibitors during chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND

Gelatinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are involved in tumour invasion and metastasis. High pre-operative TIMP-1 serum values have been previously found to correlate to aggressive features in ovarian cancer patients. This study has examined the clinical value of sequential serum measurements of gelatinases and TIMPs during ovarian cancer treatment.

METHODS

Serum gelatinase and TIMP values were measured in 48 patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. The serum values were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the third and sixth chemotherapy cycles, and compared to the treatment response.

RESULTS

Increased MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9), TIMP-2 and MMP-2 mean serum values were observed in optimally operated patients with a complete response to treatment, compared to those with a partial response. No significant differences were found in the change of circulating TIMP-1 values in the different chemotherapy response groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring the serum values of gelatinases or TIMP-2 sequentially during chemotherapy might be beneficial for response evaluation in optimally operated patients, whereas the serum TIMP-1 values might not contribute to an evaluation of the treatment response.