Objective:Matrix metalloproteinases7(MMP7)is reported to be involved in the invasion and metastasis of some human tumors.In this study ,we investigated the role of MMP7 in human panereatic careinoma(PC)progression.Materials and Methods:A total of 51 cases of PC,including 22 early lesions(clinical stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ)and 29 of advanced ones(clinical stageⅢ and Ⅳ),were tested for MMP7 expression using immunostaining assay.Results:Increased MMP7 immunoreactivity was present in 35(68.6%)cases of PC,and frequently distributed in the invasive front of the tumors.More cases expressed positive MMP7 in advanced group(23/29,79.3%)than in early group(12/22,54.5%;P<0.05).Conclusion:The increased expression of MMP7 was related to PC progression and might be considered to be useful as a marker for biological aggressiveness of this malignancy.