Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and 13 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and their role in predicting lymph node metastasis

The present study suggests that both MMP-9 and MMP-13 play an important and independent role in OSCC progression and invasiveness. Intense expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13, irrespective of histological grade of OSCC, correlates well with TNM stage. Consequently, it is evident that MMP-9 and MMP-13 are important for the invasiveness and progression of tumors. The findings may facilitate the development of new approaches for evaluating lymph node metastases and interventional therapy techniques, hence enhancing the prognosis of patients diagnosed with OSCC.