Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression of GCTSC in peripheral tissue and central tissue of GCTB.

Giant cell tumor stromal cell (GCTSC) is the tumor cell of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). The biomarkers characterization of GCTSC is critical for the selection of GCTB targeting drugs. We believe the main functions of GCTSC in different part of tumor should be different for different environment. Then the biological behavior and molecular biomarkers of GCTSC should be different as well. Based on this idea, we focused on GCTSC which located in central tissue, peripheral tissue and took MMP-9 as the breakthrough point to carry out research. The results showed MMP-9 staining grade of GCTSC which located in central tissue was slight, whereas multinucleated giant cell staining grade was high. The peripheral tissue was consisted by almost GCTSC with high MMP-9 staining degree and mRNA expression. This study also provided clues and inspiration for reducing GCTB recurrence rate after intralesional curettage with MMP-9 targeted therapy which were aimed at the residual peripheral tissue.