Is collagenase-3 (MMP-13) expression in chondrosarcoma of the jaws a true marker for tumor aggressiveness?

Background: 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 of normal cartilage were negative for this collagenase. As regard the clinicopathological parameters, there was no correlation between MMP-13 expression and sex, age and tumor site. While, there were significant associations between MMP-13 expression and both of mitotic counts and necrosis. On the other hand, there was a significant difference between low and high grade tumors ( P < 0.05) regarding MMP-13 expression. Also, there was no significant correlation between MMP-13 expression in primary lesions and their local recurrence. Conclusion: MMP-13 is expressed in the majority of chondrosarcoma of the jaws. It is also noteworthy that the expression of MMP-13 may be related to tumor biological aggressiveness and used to aid in predicting patient's poor prognosis.