Proximity Extension Assay reveals MMP12 in plasma as a predictor of outcome in urothelial bladder cancer

• Background Urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is most-frequently diagnosed at the non-muscle-invasive stage (NMIBC). However, recurrences and interventions for intermediate and high-risk NMIBC patients impact quality of life. Biomarkers for patient stratification can help to avoid unnecessary interventions whilst indicating aggressive measures when required.Methods Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) was utilised to analyse plasma (n=90) and urine (n=40) samples from 90 newly-diagnosed and treatment-naïve UBC patients with an immuno-oncology protein panel. Public single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from patient tumour tissues and a murine OH-BBN induced UBC model were also explored. Results Plasma samples from muscle-invasive UBC patients displayed higher levels of MMP7 and CCL23 compared to NMIBC patients, whereas urine samples displayed higher levels of CD27 and CD40 in the NMIBC group. Increased MMP12 plasma levels were identified as an independent marker of poor survival outcome and this finding was further validated in an independent cohort. Moreover, scRNA-seq data analysis indicated tumour infiltrating macrophages as a putative source of MMP12. Conclusion The local production, but systemic diffusion of MMP12, suggests that MMP12 could be an important biomarker to complement histopathology-based risk stratification. Additionally, it may represent a pharmacological target in bladder cancer.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Urologi och njurmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Urology and Nephrology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)