Vento SI, et al. - This trial investigated if matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) expression was associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) status, clinical parameters, and outcome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Using immunohistochemistry, experts analyzed the tumor tissue specimens from OPSCC patients treated with curative intent. Among HPV-positive OPSCC with moderate, high, or very high MMP-7 expression, the 5-year distant recurrence-free survival appeared to be considerably lower than in those who had low or absent MMP-7 expression. Thus, it was inferred that high MMP-7 expression exhibited a link with worse 5-year DSS and increased rate of distant recurrences.