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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.