Expression and clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

MMP-2 and -9 are involved in the invasion process of oral cancer, and MMP-9 is related to poor prognosis in the subset of patients without neck node metastasis. Ethanol could enhance the carcinogenetic process in oral cavity through its influence in the expression of MMP-2 and -9.