TIMP1 as molecular marker in distant metastatic outgrowth

Background Tumour recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) significantly reduces patient’s prognosis. Metachronous distant metastases have to be expected in 20 % of curative treated patients, referring to subsequent palliative intention. The reliable assessment of distant metastatic outgrowth remains a diagnostic challenge. Recently, the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis has been associated with tumour metastasis and increased expression of corresponding proteins with poor survival.

Methods The current study analyses serum/EDTA MMP2/9, TIMP1/2, and CXCL12 levels in 69 HNSCC patients. Molecular data was set into clinical context. The study was approved by the local ethical committee. Statistics were done using SPSS.

Results Tumour recurrence demonstrated significantly increased TIMP1 levels when compared with unaltered counterparts (331ng/ml vs. 238ng/ml; p<0.05). There were no differences in other analysed parameters or according to the rT/N/M-status. At the time of blood sampling there were no differences in TIMP1 levels with respect to different T- and N-status. In contrast, patients with M1 disease showed significantly higher TIMP1 levels than M0 patients (484ng/ml vs. 231ng/ml; p = 0.003).

Summary With respect to TIMP1, the CXCR4-CXCL12-axis was associated with distant metastatic outgrowth on serum level resulting in significantly increased TIMP1 levels in M1 patients. The diagnostic capability of serum TIMP1 being a molecular marker of distant metastatic outgrowth has to be further analysed.

Poster-PDF A-1704.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020