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MMP‐9 is predominantly expressed in epithelioid and not spindle cell uveal melanoma

Extracellular matrix‐degrading enzymes are crucial for cancer metastases. One group of enzymes that has been increasingly implicated in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix, and hence the intravasation and dissemination of tumour cells, is the family of metalloproteinases. In the recent past, increasing efforts have led to the development of more or less specific matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors. Data concerning the molecular nature and timing of the contribution of MMPs to tumour spread is of paramount importance in clarifying which MMP is an appropriate target for more selective MMP inhibition in future tumour therapy. This study immunohistochemically characterized the expression pattern of MMP‐2, ‐3, and ‐9 in 26 uveal melanomas. Forty‐six per cent of the uveal melanomas expressed MMP‐2 and/or MMP‐9. MMP‐3 expression was seen in 17 out of 26 uveal melanomas. MMP‐9, previously shown to play an important part in tumour dissemination, was predominantly present in epithelioid melanomas (71.4%) or the epithelioid portion of mixed cell uveal melanomas (67%), whereas only one out of ten spindle cell melanomas showed MMP‐9 expression (10%). MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression was associated with a significantly higher incidence of metastatic disease. The survival rate of patients with MMP‐2‐positive melanomas was 31% vs. 85% for patients with MMP‐2‐negative (p<0.05); for MMP‐9‐positive uveal melanomas the survival rate was 27% vs. 85% with MMP‐9‐negative uveal melanomas (p<0.04). The fact that patients suffering from TIMP‐1‐ as well as TIMP‐2‐positive uveal melanomas tended to show a better survival rate (72% vs. 45% for TIMP‐1; 88% vs. 37% for TIMP‐2) supports the view that proteolytic enzymes are of importance in tumour spread. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.