MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in oral and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) are epithelial neoplasms, of which OSCC has a worse prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the initiation, invasion, metastasis, and defense of cancer. This study aimed to compare differences in MMP expression in these cancers. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-one patients with early-stage (T1-T2 N0 M0) cancers, of which 36 were OSCC and 25 CSCC, were enrolled into this study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-9 antibodies. RESULTS: MMP-7 expression was stronger in OSCC than in CSCC, mainly in the invasive front. MMP-8 was absent and MMP-9 was mildly expressed in OSCC and CSCC cells. However, MMP-8 and MMP-9 were positive in peritumoral inflammatory cells in both cancers. In addition, MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-9 were not associated with the overall survival of patients with OSCC and CSCC patients. CONCLUSIONS: The increased expression of MMP-7 in the invasive front may partly explain the aggressiveness of OSCC.