Expression and Significance of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Pancreatic Carcinoma Tissues

Objective To discuss the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) in pancreatic carcinoma tissues, and its relationship with clinicopathologic features of pancreatic carcinoma. Methods Expression of EGFR and MMP-9 were detected by immunohistochemistry in surgically resected specimens(cancer tissues，cancer adjacent tissues and normal tissues)from 44 pancreatic carcinoma patients,13 chronic pancreatitis patients and 7 normal patients. The results were analyzed combined with clinicopathologic characteristics. Results There was no expression of EGFR or MMP-9 in normal pancreatic tissues．The expression of EGFR and MMP-9 in chronic pancreatitis tissues were 23.1%(3/13) and 15.4%(2/13).The expression of EGFR and MMP-9 in cancer tissues were higher than those in cancer adjacent tissues(61.4% vs. 34.1%,54.5% vs. 29.5%, P<0.05)．Both expression of EGFR, MMP-9 in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were significantly higher than those in tissues of normal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis(all P<0.05). There were positive correlation between EGFR，MMP-9 expression and superior mesenteric vessels invasion, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, differentiation of tumor. Conclusion The expression of EGFR and MMP-9 are closely correlated in pancreatic carcinoma tissues, and could be the index for learning biological behavior and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma.