Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 is an Unfavorable Prognostic Factor in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) is a highly malignant neoplasm, but the prognostic factors of IHCC are not yet fully understood. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to be related to tumor viability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of resected IHCC. Patients and Methods: From 1996 to 2006, we surgically treated 35 patients with IHCC. Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics, including expression of MMPs, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor receptor in the resected specimens, were investigated, and overall survival rates were evaluated with regard to the characteristics using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Univariate analysis revealed the significant prognostic factors to be preoperative serum CEA and CA19-9, intraoperative transfusion, tumor size, surgical margin, lymph node metastasis, invasion of portal and hepatic vein, intrahepatic metastasis, UICC stage, and expression of MMP-7. Subsequent multivariate analysis indicated that MMP-7 was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio (HR), 4. 698; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0. 057-0. 866; P = 0. 03) along with intrahepatic metastasis (HR, 5. 694; 95% CI, 0. 029-0. 706; P = 0. 017). Conclusion: MMP-7 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with resected IHCC.