Increased Expression of a Disintegrin and Metalloprotease-9 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Tumor Progression and Prognosis

Abstract

A disintegrin and metalloprotease-9 is over-expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, consistent with findings in other tumor entities, and is an independent prognostic marker of overall survival following hepatectomy. Further studies are needed to investigate the precise function of a disintegrin and metalloprotease-9 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.