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Matrix metalloproteinases in cancer: Prognostic markers and therapeutic targets
Author(s) -
Vihinen Pia,
Kähäri VeliMatti
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.10329
Subject(s) - matrix metalloproteinase , angiogenesis , extracellular matrix , metastasis , matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor , cancer research , cancer , medicine , oncology , biology , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology
Abstract Degradation of extracellular matrix is crucial for malignant tumour growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc‐dependent neutral endopeptidases collectively capable of degrading essentially all matrix components. Elevated levels of distinct MMPs can be detected in tumour tissue or serum of patients with advanced cancer and their role as prognostic indicators in cancer is studied. In addition, therapeutic intervention of tumour growth and invasion based on inhibition of MMP activity is under intensive investigation and several MMP inhibitors are in clinical trials in cancer. In this review, we discuss the current view on the feasibility of MMPs as prognostic markers and as targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.