Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/2 as Predictive Factors in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

摘要

Introduction:Metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors play an important role in the metastases formation. A multistage process of carcinogenesis requires the involvement of numerous enzymes and compounds that facilitate the expansion of tumor cells. The formation of metastases depends on both metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors activation leading to the activation of neoangiogenesis. The changes of the expression in stromal and tumor proteins could be prognostic factors in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.