Expression of type IV collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (type IV collagenase) in relation to nodal status in laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal carcinoma has a lower incidence of neck metastases than other malignant carcinomas of the head and neck region. However, some cases are very aggressive, showing neck metastases even in the early stages. In this study the expression of collagen IV and type IV collagenase (MMP-2) were examined immunohistologically in 50 patients with laryngeal carcinomas, and the results were compared with the incidence of neck metastases and other clinicopathological factors. The correlation between collagen IN expression and the existence of nodal metastases was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was also significant correlation between collagen IV expression and the histological grading of the tumour. There was a tendency for samples with continuous collagen IV staining to have no matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) immunoreactivity. No significant correlation was seen between MMP-2 protein expression and clinicopathological parameters although the correlation between MMP-2 and existence of nodal metastases was statistically borderline (P = 0.07). Multivariate analysis of the clinicopathological factors that may have an influence on the nodal status in laryngeal cancer revealed that, apart from T stage, collagen IV pattern in the basement membrane surrounding nests of carcinoma is an important prognostic factor.