Fig. 3

MMP14 expression at the TSI in the primary site and dissected LNs.

High MMP14 expression in tumour nest is more at the ENE site than at the intranodal site (a, 63% vs. 81%). High MMP14 expression in the tumour nest is more at the TSI than at the tumour nest in the primary site (b, 21% vs. 49%). The high CR of MMP14 expression at the TSI is detected in CAFs (c, ENE vs. resected specimens, 81%, p = 0.11), tumour nest (c, 81%, p = 0.05), and co-scoring system (c and d, left, 78%, p = 0.02). The CR of MMP14 co-scoring expression between the ENE and biopsy (d, middle, 90%) and the resected specimens and biopsy (d, right, 83%). CAFs, cancer-associated fibroblasts; CR, concordance rate; ENE, extranodal extension; LN, lymph node; TSI, tumour–stromal interface