【Object ive】To investigate expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)and tissue inhibitors of metallopro teinase-2(T IMP-2)in esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESC)and the relationship betw een the expression and the biological behavior of ESC .【Methods】The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 of 65 cases of ESC w ere detected by immunohistochemistry (the method of st reptaridin-peroxidase

SP).【Results】The expressive rate of MMP-2 of ESC w as 66 %

and more expression w as closely related to poorer dif ferentiation(P =0.031)

later TNM grade(ⅡB and Ⅲ

P =0.000)

hig her rate of lymph node metastasis (P =0.000)and lower survival rate of tw o years(P =0.000).The expressive rate of TIMP-2 of ESC w as 40 %

and more expression w as closely related to earlier TNM grade(Ⅰ and ⅡA

P =0.027)

low er rate of lymph node metastasis (P =0.027)and hig her survival rate of two years (P =0.03).【Conclusions】The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 has a close relationship wi th the differentiation

TNM g rade

lymph node metastasis and survival time of ESC .Examination of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 may be of prognostic value .