As summarised in Table 2, EMMPRIN expression showed a significantly positive association with tumour size, depth of invasion, lymphatic invasion, expression of ki-67, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF of tumours (P<0.05), but not with lymph node metastasis, UICC staging or differentiation (P>0.05). The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is neoplasm.