The expression of MMP-2 and Ki-67 in head and neck melanoma, and their correlation with clinic-pathologic indices
Kambiz Kamyab-Hesari, Nooshin Mohtasham, Nessa Aghazadeh, Mohsen Biglarian, Bahram Memar, *Hamideh Kadeh *Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology,School of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Science,Zahedan,Iran Abstract Objective: Melanoma is an aggressive tumor with propensity for early metastasis and poor prognosis with delayed diagnosis. Matrix metalloproteinase‑2 (MMP‑2) is involved in degradation of extra‑cellular matrix proteins and tumor progression. Ki‑67 is a predictor of tumor proliferation activity but its prognostic significance in melanoma is controversial. In this study, the prognostic value of MMP‑2 and Ki‑67 via immuno‑staining in head and neck melanoma is investigated. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 24 consecutive primary melanoma samples was performed. All samples were stained with monoclonal MMP‑2 and Ki‑67 antibodies. Two independent investigators evaluated the stained sections. The reactive cells were considered positive regardless of the staining intensity and reported as percentage. Results: A strong correlation between MMP‑2 expression, Breslow tumor thickness, and Clark level of invasion was observed (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.84, P < 0.0001, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between MMP‑2 expression and number of lymph node involved (r = 0.55, P value 0.005). MMP‑2 over expression (>50%) was an independent predictor of lymph node involvement (OR: 2.1, P value: 0.01). No significant association was observed between Ki‑67 expression and Breslow tumor thickness, Clark level, or lymph node involvement. Conclusion: MMP‑2 expression correlates with tumor thickness in melanoma and is an independent predictive factor for lymph node involvement. Key Words: Head and neck melanoma, immunohistochemistry, Ki‑67, MMP‑2
Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics - July-September 2014 - Volume 10 - Issue 3 | 
