Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is consistently expressed in Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg cells and has no impact on survival in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related and non-related Hodgkin lymphoma in Brazil

Abstract

Clinical and histological features of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) are primarily due to the effects of cytokines and enzymes produced by Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells and their surrounding inflammatory cells. In EBV-related cancers, the expression of viral latent membrane protein 1 correlates with an increased MMP9 expression. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic relevance of MMP9 expression and EBV status in HRS cells in patients with cHL in Brazil. We selected 97 patients with cHL for EBV and MMP9 detection. EBV was detected in 52.5%, and MMP9 expression positivity was found in 87.6%. Of all cases, there was no correlation between MMP9 expression and EBV status. Response to treatment and relapse rate was independent of MMP9 expression and EBV status. MMP9 positivity did not influence overall survival and event-free survival. The consistent and increased intensity of MMP9 expression in HRS cells make this enzyme a potential target for therapy.