Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in epithelial dysplasia, verrucous carcinoma oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Factors that represent the potential for invasion and metastasis, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), could predict prognosis of cancer. Although an important risk factor for oral cancer is the presence of epithelial dysplasia, many lesions will not progress to malignancy. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc dependent proteinases capable of digesting various structural components of the extracellular matrix. Because MMPs are frequently overexpressed in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we found that they are also overexpressed in oral dysplasias which is restricted to the epithelium though; we also found that those dysplasias that progress to oral cancer express higher levels of MMPs than those lesions that do not progress. Also, it was observed that as the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased the prognosis became poorer. Hence, we conclude that as the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 increases in Epithelial dysplasia, Verrucous carcinoma and OSCC the survival rate decreases.
Source: Head and Neck Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research