Breast cancer is one common female specific malignant tumor and has gradually increased incidence. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMMP-9) and its inhibitor TIMP-1 participate in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study analyzed the effect of various treatment approaches on TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels in terminal stage breast cancer. Post-op breast cancer patients including chemo-radio therapy group, radio-chemo therapy group and simultaneously chemo- and radio-therapy group were compared for efficacy, along with assays for TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels for analyzing their correlation with clinical-pathological features of breast cancer. Chemo + radio-therapy group had lower focal recurrence and distal metastasis than the other two groups, plus higher 5-year survival rates (p<0.05). After treatment, all patients showed lower serum MMP-9 level, activity and higher TIMP-1 levels than those before treatment (p< 0.05). Concurrent radio + chemo-therapy group showed lower serum MMP-9 level, activity and higher TIMP-1 levels (p< 0.05 compared to the other two groups). Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels after treatment are correlated with patient age, pathological grade, tumor size and lymph node metastasis (p< 0.05). Simultaneous chemo- and radio-therapy on breast cancer patients after surgery could reduce focal recurrent rate or distal metastasis rate, thus improving 5-year survival rate. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels are correlated with age, pathological grade, tumor size and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer patients.
Keywords: Breast cancer; MMP-9; TIMP-1; treatment efficacy.