Cancer cells elaborate metalloproteinases which may play a role in invasion and metastasis. The serum level of the Mr 72,000 type IV collagenase (MMP-2) was measured in 87 lung cancer patients. Stage IV cancer levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.0001) compared to normal sera. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was found between enzyme levels in the presence versus the absence of distant metastasis. For 29 patients treated with combination chemotherapy, a positive relationship was noted between response failure and elevated enzyme levels. Serum metalloproteinase levels may provide information relevant to prognosis as well as treatment decisions.

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Supported by grants from Ministero Università Ricerca Scientifica Tecnologica, Progetto Finalizzato del Consiglio Nazionale Ricerca “Applicazioni Cliniche Ricerca Oncologica,” and Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Italy.

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©1992 American Association for Cancer Research.
1992
American Association for Cancer Research, Inc.