Is collagenase-3 (MMP-13) expression in chondrosarcoma of the jaws a true marker for tumor aggressiveness?
GROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the modeling and remodeling of the extracellular matrix in both physiologic and pathologic states and thus plays an important role in tumor progression. Human collagenase-3 (MMP-13) is a member of matrix metalloproteinase family of enzymes that was originally identified in breast carcinomas and subsequently detected during fetal ossification and in arthritic processes. AIM: The present study was designed to investigate the expression MMP-13 and to correlate its expression with clinicopathological parameters in chondrosarcoma of the jaws. METHODS: Archival tumor tissues from 11 patients with chondrosarcoma of the jaws were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of MMP-13. Clinical information was obtained through the computerized retrospective database from the tumor registry between 1998 to 2006. RESULTS: Eight of 11 cases (72.8 %) of chondrosarcomas showed a positive reaction for MMP-13, whereas two cases
