Stromelysin 3, Ets-1, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Oral Precancerous and Cancerous Lesions: Correlation with Microvessel Density, Progression, and Prognosis

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Abstract
Purpose: Identification of molecular changes characteristic of development and progression of oral cancer are of paramount importance for effective intervention. Stromelysin 3 (MMP11) is a unique matrix metalloproteinase shown to have dual function during cancer progression. The transcription factor Ets-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are important proangiogenic factors in cancer. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that concomitant expression of stromelysin 3, Ets-1, and/or VEGF affects the development, progression, and prognosis of oral cancer.