Co-expression of CD44v6 and MMP2 predicts lung metastasis and unfavorable prognosis in osteosarcoma.

To evaluate the prognostic significance of CD44 variant v6 (CD44v6) and matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) expression in patients with surgically resected osteosarcoma. CD44v6 and MMP2 expression were immunohistochemically detected in 113 primary osteosarcoma patients at our institute between 2001 and 2019. Both CD44v6 and MMP2 were independent predictors for metastasis-free and overall survival. An extended predictive range and improved sensitivity were observed when the combined effects of CD44v6 and MMP2 were considered. Specifically, patients with CD44v6+ and MMP2+ expression were more susceptible to lung metastasis and exhibited the poorest survival rates compared with the other groups. The combination of CD44v6 and MMP2 may serve as a precise prognostic indicator for predicting metastatic progression and survival outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma.