Could MMP3 and MMP9 Serve as Biomarkers in EBV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer

The high incidence of, and mortality from, head and neck cancers (HNCs), including those related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), constitute a major challenge for modern medicine, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, many researchers have made efforts to identify diagnostic and prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP 3) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) in EBV positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients. For this purpose, the level of these MMPs in the serum of patients with EBV-positive OPSCC was analyzed in relation to the degree of histological differentiation and TNM classification. Our research team's results indicate that the level of both MMPs is much higher in the EBV positive OPSCC patients compared to the EBV negative and control groups. Moreover, their levels were higher in more advanced clinical stages. Considering the possible correlation between the level of MMP 3, MMP 9 and anti-EBV antibodies, and also viral load, after statistical analysis using multiple linear regression, their high correlation was demonstrated. The obtained results confirm the diagnostic accuracy for MMP 3 and MMP 9. Both MMPs may be useful in the diagnosis of EBV positive OPSCC patients.