Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is a proteolytic enzyme which is associated with tumor progression including invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis due to its ability to degrade type IV collagen.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess clinical significance of MMP-9 measurement in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Patients and methods: The study included 63 patients with ESCC and 30 healthy subjects. We assayed serum MMP-9 levels and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag), a tumor marker. We defined diagnostic criteria for both markers.
Results: In ESCC patients serum levels of MMP-9 and SCC-Ag were found to be statistically higher compared with healthy subjects. Serum concentrations of MMP-9 and SCC-Ag tended to increase in patients with advanced cancer. The percentage of elevated MMP-9 concentrations (75%) was higher than that of SCC-Ag (68%) and increased for the combined use of both markers (97%).
Conclusions: The results suggest the potential usefulness of MMP-9 in establishing the diagnosis of ESCC, especially when analyzed in combination with SCC-Ag.