[Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in hypopharyngeal carcinoma and its clinical significance].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and the biological behavior, metastasis and prognosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.


METHODS
Two-step immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression of MMP-2 mAb in 32 specimens of hypopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal mucosa. Statistical comparison was performed after grouping.


RESULTS
It was found that the positivity rate for MMP-2 in the hypopharyngeal carcinoma tissues was 53.1%(17/32). Significant differences were noted when the expression levels of the mAb were compared between the normal mucosa adjacent to the carcinomas and the carcinomatous tissue, and between non-metastatic carcinomas and those with cervical lymph node metastasis. Patients with a positive result had obviously lower 3-year survival rate than those with negative results.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-2 may play a role in the lymph node metastasis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, and is likely to be indicative of the patients' prognosis.
Li
Qi
Q
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. hxllq@163.com
Li
Xiang-ping
XP
Liang
Yong
Y
Liu
Xiong
X
D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate
D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2