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Matrilsin expression is a useful marker of submucosal invasion and lymph node metastasis in early stage signet ring cell carcinoma of the stomach
Author(s) -
Aihara Ryuusuke,
Mochiki Erito,
Kamiyama Yoichi,
Ohno Tetsuro,
Asao Takayuki,
Kuwano Hiroyuki
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.20439
Subject(s) - medicine , immunohistochemistry , pathology , stage (stratigraphy) , lymphovascular invasion , signet ring cell carcinoma , metastasis , signet ring cell , carcinoma , lymph node , stomach , lymphatic system , cancer , biology , adenocarcinoma , paleontology
Background Matrilysin (MMP‐7) is considered to play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. The aim of this study was to examine the MMP‐7 expression of early‐stage undifferentiated gastric carcinoma, and to investigate differences between gastric signet ring cell (SIG) and other undifferentiated carcinomas (non‐SIG). Methods Immunohistochemical staining of MMP‐7 was performed using specimens from 150 patients with early‐stage gastric undifferentiated carcinomas (76 SIG, 74 non‐SIG). Results SIG had a larger proportion of mucosal‐confined carcinoma and a lower rate of lymphatic invasion than non‐SIG ( P < 0.05). The incidence of the positive expression of MMP‐7 in submucosal SIG was significantly higher than that of mucosal SIG ( P < 0.01). In contrast, MMP‐7 expression was frequently found in mucosal non‐SIG, suggesting an apparent difference in the invasiveness between mucosal SIG and non‐SIG. The larger the size of the mucosal SIG, the more frequently MMP‐7 positive expression was demonstrated ( P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between MMP‐7 positive expression and lymph node metastasis of early SIG ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Early SIG revealed less invasiveness than non‐SIG in terms of clinicopathologic features and MMP‐7 expression. Preoperative estimation of the MMP‐7 expression might be useful as a predictor of submucosal invasion and lymph node metastasis in early SIG. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:491–497. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.