Background/Aim: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in cancer biology. Expression of MMP7 (matrilysin) in colorectal cancer is associated with metastatic disease even though it is expressed in most tumour states. In the present study, our purpose was to analyze MMP7 in bowel and lymph nodes of different tumour stages and to evaluate its expression as a cancer biomarker. Patients and Methods: 28 patients surgically-treated for benign and malignant colorectal tumours were recruited and analyzed for MMP7 in tumoural tissue, lymph nodes and serum by histology, immunohistochemistry, ELISA and western blotting. Results: Immunohistochemistu showed prevalent expression of MMP7 in advanced cancer. A significant increase (p