Identification of matrix metalloproteinase-9 as an independent prognostic marker in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer with opposite correlations to adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins-1 and-7
Abstract
The enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) suggests that its presence in hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (HSCCs, LSCCs) could have prognostic value. We tested this hypothesis by quantitative morphometric analysis of immunohistochemical staining in histological sections of 73 stage IV HSCCs and 45 LSCCs (30 cases of stage I/II, 15 cases of stage IV).
As compared to tumour-free epithelium an increase for the labelling index in LSCCs reached statistical significance (p=0.04). Specimens of Reinke's edema were strongly higher in this parameter compared to tumour-free tissue area (p=0.000001), underscoring an association between the level of MMP-9 expression and inflammation.
Focusing on patients' recurrence status we identified thresholds for the labelling index of 10% for HSCCs and 18% for LSCCs, both indicating rapid recurrence and dismal prognosis unless surpassed.