Decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in bone marrow micro-metastasis after FOLFOX adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer is association with an increased progression free survival and the elimination of circulating tumour cell

Introduction: FOLFOX adjuvant chemotherapy is standard practice after curative surgery for stage III colon cancer. Even so there a significative number of patients who relapse. This study investigates the expression of metallo-proteinase (MMP-2) in bone marrow micro-metastasis and the progression free survival in these patients Methods: Bone marrow and blood samples were taken before and after chemotherapy to detect CEA expressing cancer cells and the expression of MMP-2 Results: Patients with bone marrow micro-metastasis expressing MMP-2 after chemotherapy had a lower progression free survival rate and a shorter time to relapse. Conclusions: The detection of MMP-2 positive micro-metastasis or CTCs may provide useful information of the prognosis of stage III colon cancer patients.