Prognostic relevance of TTF-1 and MMP-9 expression in advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

Background: The thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is a tissue-specific transcription factor that could play an important role in cell differentiation and morphogenesis of lung tumors. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a protease commonly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer, conferring angiogenic and metastatic potential.

Methods: We assessed TTF-1 and MMP-9 tumor expression by immunohistochemistry in 51 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, stage IIIB or IV, treated with platinum regimens.

Nuclear markers (star volume, mitotic index, AgNOR and Ki-67) of the primary tumor and its metastasis in non-small cell lung carcinomas.

Although tumor growth is controlled by growth rate and cell cycle, it is also likely that the proliferative activity of tumor cells can influence the growth rate of the primary cancer and account for their aggressiveness. Variations in growth rate, cell cycle control and proliferative activity could, in part, explain differences in invasive and metastatic properties among non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSLC). The purpose of this report is to: (1) evaluate growth rate by using growth- and cell cycle-regulating markers (mitotic count, nuclear star volume, AgNOR, and Ki-67) as reflections of growth rate and (2) compare the indices of primary NSLC with the indices of their metastasis in a series of patients with advanced disease.