Matrix metalloproteinase 2 contributes to aggressive phenotype, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and poor outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background Though matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) involvement in tumor aggressiveness and invasion is well-known, its prognostic impacts still remain largely controversial. Furthermore, the correlations between MMP-2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have not been directly established in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).