BACKGROUND: The expression patterns of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2, 9 and 13 have been examined in biopsies and cell lines of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the upper aerodigestive tract to determine the association between MMP expression and the aggressiveness of the tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of MMP-2, -9 and -13 was analyzed by immuno-hybridization in 12 keratinocyte cell lines, 13 SCC cell lines and in 63 biopsies from SCCs of the upper aerodigestive tract. RESULTS: In biopsies a correlation was detected between T-status and the MMP expression [MMP-2 (p < 0.05), MMP-9 (p < 0.01), MMP-13 (p < 0.01)], between N-status and MMP expression [MMP-2 (p < 0.05), MMP-9 (p < 0.01)] and between UICC stage and MMP-9 expression (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-13 expressions correlate strongly with pathological parameters. The determination of these tumor-biological parameters could help to identify high risk patients with increased frequency of metastatic spread.
BACKGROUND: The expression patterns of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2, 9 and 13 have been examined in biopsies and cell lines of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the upper aerodigestive tract to determine the association between MMP expression and the aggressiveness of the tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of MMP-2, -9 and -13 was analyzed by immuno-hybridization in 12 keratinocyte cell lines, 13 SCC cell lines and in 63 biopsies from SCCs of the upper aerodigestive tract. RESULTS: In biopsies a correlation was detected between T-status and the MMP expression [MMP-2 (p < 0.05), MMP-9 (p < 0.01), MMP-13 (p < 0.01)], between N-status and MMP expression [MMP-2 (p < 0.05), MMP-9 (p < 0.01)] and between UICC stage and MMP-9 expression (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-13 expressions correlate strongly with pathological parameters. The determination of these tumor-biological parameters could help to identify high risk patients with increased frequency of metastatic spread.