EGF and neoplasm: Our present study illustrates that oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma produces a variety of MMPs including proMMP-1, -2, -3, and -9 in vitro, suggesting that the ability of MMP production of the tumour may play an important role in its malignant behaviour and that the production of proMMP-9 may be regulated by EGF via overexpression of EGF receptors.