Matrix metalloproteinase-7 may serve as a novel biomarker for cervical cancer

Abstract

MMP-7 appears to act as an oncogene in cervical cancer cells and is involved in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MMP-7 expression was significantly higher in the tissue and serum of cervical cancer patients compared to healthy individuals and was correlated with increased pathalogical grade, clinical stage, and lymph metastasis. Therefore, our data provide novel evidence that MMP-7 may be a clinically relevant biomarker for cervical cancer.