In Western countries, some 40% of breast carcinomas are diagnosed after the age of 65; at that time, about a third of the women may already have axillary lymph node metastases, associated with shorter survival. Histopathology is the routine screening method for nodal involvement, but is not fail-safe for a number of reasons, including human error. Molecular markers are gradually being included in the evaluation of surgical samples and blood in follow-up examinations, in the hope to improve prognostication and as a guide for optimal treatment. One of the more recent markers is the presence of the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the primary tumor.
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