**9. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production was not significantly affected by cisplatin and docetaxel treatment**

MMPs are known to play an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling during the process of tumor invasion and metastasis (Egeblad et al. 2002). Two of these enzymes, MMP-2 and MMP-9, are potent gelatinases and have been correlated with the processes of invasion and metastasis of SCC (Sheu et al. 2003; Patel et al. 2005). Gelatin zymography revealed prominent 72000 dalton bands, corresponding to MMP2 secreted from the HEp-2 and Ca9-22 cells. These bands appeared unchanged by either cisplatin or docetaxel treatment (Figure 8).

Fig. 8. Gelatin zaymograpy.

MMP secretion in HEp-2 cells and Ca9-22 cells after treatment or control were evaluated by Gelatin zymography. Gelatin zymography revealed prominent 72000 dalton bands, corresponding to MMP2 secreted from the HEp-2 and Ca9-22 cells. These bands appeared unchanged by either cisplatin or docetaxel treatment
