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Increased serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 predict clinical outcome of patients with early B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Author(s) -
Molica Stefano,
Vitelli Gaetano,
Levato Domenico,
Giannarelli Diana,
Vacca Angelo,
Cuneo Antonio,
Cavazzini Franceso,
Squillace Roberto,
Mirabelli Rosanna,
Digiesi Giovanna
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2003.00064.x
Subject(s) - medicine , beta 2 microglobulin , lymphocytosis , gastroenterology , stage (stratigraphy) , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , bone marrow , hematology , pathology , immunology , leukemia , biology , paleontology
Background and Methods: Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) which agree with progression in solid and haematological tumours were correlated to the risk of disease progression in 62 patients with early (Binet stage A) B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Sera were taken at diagnosis and tested by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: MMP‐9 levels positively correlated with haemoglobin levels ( P = 0.03) and platelet count ( P = 0.03). No association was found with main clinico‐haematological features representative of tumour mass, such as peripheral blood lymphocytosis, bone marrow histology, Rai substages and β ‐2 microglobulin ( β ‐2m). A cut‐off of MMP‐9 levels corresponding to 33rd percentile (203 ng/mL) or higher identified earlier upstaging and shorter progression‐free survival. MMP‐9 was a significant prognostic marker in multivariate analysis and partially independent of Rai substages, which suggests its inclusion into such a staging system to better stratify prognostically Rai stages I and II patients. Conclusions: MMP‐9 serum levels predict disease behaviour and help to refine the prognosis of stage A CLL patients.