[Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2,9 in hypopharyngeal carcinoma and its relationship with lymphatic metastasis].

Objective: To study the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2,9 (MMP-2,9) and the biology behavior, lymphatic metastasis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma by investigating the expression of MMP-2,9.
Method: Two-step immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression of monoclona antibody in hypopharyngeal carcinoma tissues.
Result: It was found that the positive rate of MMP-2 in 32 hypopharyngeal carcinoma tissues was 53.12% (17/32),and the positive rate of MMP-9 was 59.38% (19/32). The difference of the expression in tumor tissue and normal mucosa beside the tumor was significant. The positive rate in those carcinoma with cervical lymph node metastasis was much higher than that in cases without cervical lymph node metastasis. And there was no significant difference found in the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.
Conclusion: MMP-2 and MMP-9 may relate with the lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal carcinoma.