Implications for Clinical Handling and Further Research

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 11 views

Correlation of Metalloproteinase-9 Serum Matrix with Peritoneal Cancer Index in Patients with Epithelial Type Ovarian Tumors

Introduction

Malignant ovarian tumors are a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The epithelial type of ovarian cancer is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 90% of all ovarian cancer cases. Early detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer are crucial for improving patient outcomes. However, the lack of specific biomarkers and the complexity of ovarian cancer biology make it challenging to develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a Biomarker

MMP-9 is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family, which plays a crucial role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the invasion of cancer cells. Elevated levels of MMP-9 have been associated with various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. The serum matrix of MMP-9 has been identified as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer, providing valuable information about the invasion of cancer cells and disease progression.

Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) as a Clinical Indicator

PCI is a clinical indicator used to assess the spread of cancer in the peritoneal cavity. It is a critical factor in determining the prognosis and treatment plan for patients with ovarian cancer. The PCI score is calculated based on the number and size of tumor nodules in the peritoneal cavity, with higher scores indicating more extensive disease.

Research Methods

This study adopted a descriptive design with a Case Series approach to investigate the relationship between MMP-9 serum matrix and PCI in patients with epithelial type of malignant ovarian tumors. The research subject consisted of 26 women diagnosed with an epithelial type of malignant ovarian tumor at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The subjects were selected through consecutive sampling, and blood was taken to measure the level of MMP-9 serum using the ELISA method. PCI assessment was carried out during the operation. The data obtained were then analyzed using the Mann-Whitney statistical test, T-Test Independent, and Spearman correlation test.

Research Results

The majority of the subjects were above the age of 50 years, having one or more children, with the dominant type of histopathology being adenocarcinoma serosum (61.6%) followed by adenocarcinoma musinosum (19.2%). The stage of the disease was largely stage III-IV, with a citoreduction that was considered optimal. Median levels of serum MMP-9 in patients with serosum adenocarcinoma were recorded at 1002.6 ng/ml. Meanwhile, patients with Ca-125 levels of more than 500 U/ml, suboptimal cito-cucus, and PCI scores of more than 10 indicated higher levels of MMP-9 serum, which were 1530.2 ng/ml, 2157.6 NG /ml, and 1942.4 ng/ml.

Further analysis showed that menopause status did not make a significant difference with the value of P 0.311. However, the difference in levels of MMP-9 serum and PCI scores based on the stadium did not show significant results, with a P value of 0.193 and 0.0541. Interestingly, a moderate positive correlation was found between MMP-9 serum levels and PCI scores with a value of R 0.478 and P 0.013, showing that the higher the MMP-9 levels, the higher the PCI score.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that there are significant differences in MMP-9 levels based on Ca-125, Sitoreduction, and PCI levels. However, there are no significant differences based on histopathology, menopause status, and stage. In addition, no significant difference in PCI score was found between sufferers of epithelial type of malignant ovarian tumors in stage II and stage III-IV. This finding confirms a positive correlation between MMP-9 serum and PCI levels, which can be the basis for the development of a better diagnosis and therapy strategy for patients with epithelial type of malignant ovarian cancer.

Implications for Clinical Handling and Further Research

This study provides important insights for clinical handling and further research on biomarkers in the context of ovarian cancer. The findings suggest that MMP-9 serum matrix can be used as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer, providing valuable information about the invasion of cancer cells and disease progression. The positive correlation between MMP-9 serum levels and PCI scores highlights the importance of considering both biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Limitations and Future Directions

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the lack of a control group. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and include a control group to confirm the findings of this study. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the role of MMP-9 serum matrix in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, as well as its potential as a biomarker for other types of cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between MMP-9 serum matrix and PCI in patients with epithelial type of malignant ovarian tumors. The findings suggest that MMP-9 serum matrix can be used as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer, providing valuable information about the invasion of cancer cells and disease progression. The positive correlation between MMP-9 serum levels and PCI scores highlights the importance of considering both biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to investigate the role of MMP-9 serum matrix in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Q&A: Correlation of Metalloproteinase-9 Serum Matrix with Peritoneal Cancer Index in Patients with Epithelial Type Ovarian Tumors

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) serum matrix and peritoneal cancer index (PCI) in patients with epithelial type of malignant ovarian tumors.

Q: What is MMP-9 and why is it important in cancer research?

A: MMP-9 is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family, which plays a crucial role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the invasion of cancer cells. Elevated levels of MMP-9 have been associated with various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. The serum matrix of MMP-9 has been identified as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer, providing valuable information about the invasion of cancer cells and disease progression.

Q: What is PCI and how is it used in cancer diagnosis?

A: PCI is a clinical indicator used to assess the spread of cancer in the peritoneal cavity. It is a critical factor in determining the prognosis and treatment plan for patients with ovarian cancer. The PCI score is calculated based on the number and size of tumor nodules in the peritoneal cavity, with higher scores indicating more extensive disease.

Q: What were the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study were that there are significant differences in MMP-9 levels based on Ca-125, Sitoreduction, and PCI levels. However, there are no significant differences based on histopathology, menopause status, and stage. Additionally, a moderate positive correlation was found between MMP-9 serum levels and PCI scores, indicating that the higher the MMP-9 levels, the higher the PCI score.

Q: What are the implications of this study for clinical handling and further research?

A: The findings of this study suggest that MMP-9 serum matrix can be used as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer, providing valuable information about the invasion of cancer cells and disease progression. The positive correlation between MMP-9 serum levels and PCI scores highlights the importance of considering both biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the lack of a control group. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and include a control group to confirm the findings of this study.

Q: What are the future directions for research on MMP-9 serum matrix and PCI in ovarian cancer?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the role of MMP-9 serum matrix in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, as well as its potential as a biomarker for other types of cancer. Additionally, further studies should aim to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between MMP-9 serum levels and PCI scores.

Q: What are the potential applications of this research?

A: The findings of this study have potential applications in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer. The use of MMP-9 serum matrix as a biomarker for ovarian cancer could improve early detection and diagnosis, leading to better patient outcomes. Additionally, the positive correlation between MMP-9 serum levels and PCI scores highlights the importance of considering both biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include recruiting a larger sample size and including a control group to confirm the findings of this study. Additionally, further studies should aim to investigate the role of MMP-9 serum matrix in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, as well as its potential as a biomarker for other types of cancer.