High MMP‑26 expression in glioma is correlated with poor clinical outcome of patients

To date the management of glioma remains a great challenge in cancer therapy worldwide. The identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods is required. Although there is data indicating that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-26 serves an important role in many human cancer types, its clinical significance in glioma remains uncertain. The present study aimed to evaluate MMP-26 expression in human astrocytic glioma specimens, and investigate its role and significance in the progression of astrocytic glioma. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess MMP-26 expression in astrocytic glioma tissues. The levels of MMP-26 expression and its relevance to the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors in patients with astrocytic glioma patients were then investigated. The results demonstrated that MMP-26 expression was significantly assocaited with the World Health Organization grade (P