Matrix metalloproteinase expression in basal cell carcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and melanoma: diagnostic and prognostic potential - Summary - MDSpire

Matrix metalloproteinase expression in basal cell carcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and melanoma: diagnostic and prognostic potential

  • By

  • Giovanni Francesco Spatola

  • Alessandro Pitruzzella

  • Antonino Gioacchino Listro

  • Carla Valenti

  • Mariaelena Scalisi

  • Federica Milia

  • Paolo Listro

  • Flavia Zingales

  • Giulio Maria Ferranti

  • Marta Listro

  • Beatrice Belmonte

  • Domiziana Picone

  • Giorgia Intili

  • Maria Laura Uzzo

  • May 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To analyze the expression of MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-14 in basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma to understand their roles in tumor invasiveness and their potential as biomarkers.

Key Findings:
  • BCC showed strong expression of MMP-3 and MMP-14, with low MMP-9 expression localized to specific basal cells.
  • SCC exhibited weak MMP-14 expression, with MMP-3 and MMP-9 completely absent.
  • Melanoma had high expression of all three MMPs, indicating aggressive behavior and significant involvement in tumor progression.
Interpretation:

MMP expression patterns correlate with the biological behavior and metastatic potential of skin cancer subtypes, suggesting MMP-3 and MMP-14 are involved in local proliferation and stromal remodeling in BCC, while their absence in SCC may relate to keratinization and reduced invasiveness.

Limitations:
  • Study limited to a small sample size of 30 patients, which may not represent the broader population.
  • Focus on non-invasive, well-differentiated tumor forms may not capture the full spectrum of clinical scenarios and potential variations.
Conclusion:

MMP-3 and MMP-14 could serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in skin cancer management, warranting further research to validate these findings.

Original Source(s)

Matrix metalloproteinase expression in basal cell carcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and melanoma: diagnostic and prognostic potential

  • by Giovanni Francesco Spatola, Alessandro Pitruzzella, Antonino Gioacchino Listro, Carla Valenti, Mariaelena Scalisi, Federica Milia, Paolo Listro, Flavia Zingales, Giulio Maria Ferranti, Marta Listro, Beatrice Belmonte, Domiziana Picone, Giorgia Intili, Maria Laura Uzzo

  • May 4, 2026

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