Prognostic Significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) Expression at the Invasive Front in Gastric Carcinoma

To evaluate the clinicopathological significance of matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) expression in gastric carcinoma, we investigated immunohistochemically MMP‐7 expression in 214 gastric carcinomas, and examined its relations with the clinicopathologic parameters including patient prognosis. MMP‐7 expressed predominantly in cancer cells, and MMP‐7‐positive tumor cells were preferentially found in deeply invading nests, especially at the invasive front. The mean MMP‐7 labeling index (LI) at the invasive front was significantly higher in tumors invading or penetrating the muscularis propria and in stages II‐IV than within the submucosal layer and in stage I, respectively (P