Prognostic significance of matrix metalloproteinases type I expression and tumor front parameters in the presence of lymph node micrometastases in carcinoma of the larynx.

PURPOSE Lymph nodes estimated as pNO in conventional morphological studies could have focuses of carcinoma cells with a diameter of < or =2 mm referred to as micrometastases (pN+). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic family of endopeptidases which are capable to degrading components of the extracellular matrix and play an important role in cancer invasion and metastases. The aim of this study was to investigate MT1-MMP expression in carcinoma of the larynx and analyze morphological parameters to relate the expression to CKs in pN0 lymph nodes. MATERIAL AND METHODS To presented the direct correlation between 6 morphological features of tumor front and the probability of micrometastases and prediction of prognosis 22 patients operated for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx were analyzed. The total score of TFG, chosen clinicomorphological features and grade of matrix metalloproteinase membrane type 1 staining in tumor front were analyzed to predict the presence of micrometastases and prognosis. Immunohistochemical methods with a panel of CKs antigens in lymph nodes and MT1-MMP expression in tumor tissue were per-lymph nodes. There was no significant relationship for immunoexpression of MT1-MMP and positive poliCKs stain. CONCLUSIONS The results of study suggest that extended traditional pathologic evaluation by features from the TFG classification could aid in diagnosis of micrometastases. The positive expression of poliCKs in the pN0 lymph nodes appears to play an important role in determining prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the larynx.