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The study included 92 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer (T2-4N0-2M0-1). In 38 cases, tumor growth was unicentric while histologically identifiable ones as multicentric in 44. Multicentricity mostly occurred in cases of macroscopically-identifiable nodes located in the central segments of the breast. Clinically-identifiable nodes of multicentric tumor growth measured more than 3 cm. Multicentric tumors were mostly grade III, featured lower expression of sex hormone receptors and positive Her2 status.

Levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) and endogenous inhibitors (TIMP-1,-2) in tumor and blood serum from patients with squamous-cell laryngeal carcinoma were studied. Immunohistochemical investigation showed much higher MMP-9 expression (76.9%) and TIMP-1 (100%) in tumor tussue than MMP-2 (23.8%) and TIMP-2 (33.3%). Therefore, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in blood serum alone were assayed. TIMP-1 levels in serum from patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects (p=0.023). High TIMP-1 levels in blood serum were recorded in patients with stage III laryngeal carcinoma and differed significantly from control (p=0.009). However, no correlation was found between them and MMP concentration in blood serum, on the one hand, and tumor size, on the other. High TIMP-1 levels in blood serum were recorded in patients free from metastasis to regional lymph nodes (124.5+39.5 ng/ml); however, they were lower than in those with such metastases (102.7+10.9 ng/ml) and significantly lower than in healthy subjects (p=0.023). There was a correlation between MMP-9 expression in tumor tissue, on the one hand, and involvement of regional lymph nodes, on the other, (p=0.054). In blood serum from patients showing tumor regression by 75-100% after radiotherapy, TIMP-1 levels were higher than in those with relatively lower response to the same treatment (p=0.072). Hence, assay of TIMP-1 levels in blood serum and MMP-9 concentration in tumor tissue may be used for assessment of tumor processes alongside standard procedures. Moreover, the former may be instrumental in predicting laryngeal response to radiotherapy.

The prognostic significance of stromal reaction in breast cancer patients has been identified. A reverse correlation between blast lymphocyte level in tumor and metastasis into the regional lymph nodes has been found. Patients with pronounced lympho-histiocytic infiltration receiving combined therapy are expected to have favorable prognosis.