RESUMO
Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of MMP-7 in peripher- al blood and esophageal cancer.Methods By using Real time RT-PCR, blood samples from 82 cases with postoperative esophageal cancer were detected.Results 37.8 %(32/82)patients were positive for MMP-7 mRNA expression.MMP-7 mRNA positivity significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis,stage,and hematogeneous metastasis.Recurrent disease was found in 28 of 82 cases. Of 28 patients experiencing re- lapse,15 patients were serially follow-up in every three months.The number positive of MMP-7 mRNA be- fore detection by imaging,at the same time of detection by imaging,and after detection by imaging was 5 cas- es,8 cases and 2 cases respectively.Conclusion Examination of MMP-7 mRNA in peripheral blood during follow-up is useful for early detection of occult recurrence.