Clinicopathological Impact of FOXM1 and MMP-9 Immunohistochemical Expression in Different Grades of Intracranial Meningioma

Abstract

Objectives: To find predictive biomarkers for recurrence and progression of meningioma. Background: Despite great advances in meningioma treatment, the prognosis remained unfavorable due to the high recurrence rate. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of FOXM1, MMP-9, and Ki67 in 50 cases of intracranial meningioma to detect its potential role in meningioma progression, recurrence, and patients’ survival. Results: Strong FOXM1 expression was detected in 20% of the cases and was significantly associated with meningioma grade (P= 0.002) and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE; P<0.001). Strong MMP-9 expression was noted in 32% of the cases and was significantly associated with meningioma grade and PTBE (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). High Ki67 was noted in 50% and significantly associated with tumor grade and PTBE (P<0.001, P= 0.002, respectively). The follow-up period revealed that meningiomas with strong FOXM1, strong MMP-9, and high Ki67 expression were associated with tumor recurrence, shorter OS, and recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, up-regulation of FOXM1 and MMP-9 expression had a significant relation with poor clinical response to the therapy (P= 0.010, P= 0. 001, respectively). However, high Ki67 cases were more sensitive to clinical therapy (P= 0.005). Conclusion: Strong FOXM1, strong MMP-9, and high Ki67 in meningiomas indicate highly aggressive tumors with a shortened survival rate, dismal outcome, and high risk of recurrence after the standard protocol of therapy.