Type I and III collagen degradation products in serum predict patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer invasion induces extracellular matrix remodeling and collagen degradation. The aim of this study was to assess whether serum levels of type I and III collagen degradation products were associated with patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A novel enzyme immunoassay was developed for measuring type III collagen N-terminal telopeptide (IIINTP) in human serum samples. In addition, type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide (ICTP), matrix metalloprotease-8 (MMP-8) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1) were assessed in 205 blood samples from HNSCC patients. High levels of serum ICTP and IIINTP and plasma TIMP-1 were associated with poor survival. The concentration of ICTP was associated with levels of IIINTP and TIMP-1. The plasma concentration of MMP-8 was associated with tumor stage, but not with survival or levels of ICTP, IIINTP or TIMP-1 suggesting that other collagenases/proteases are responsible for the cleavage of type I and type III collagens. The rate of type I and type III collagen degradation is associated with patient survival and can be used as a prognostic marker in HNSCC.