title: Matrix metalloproteinases in cancer: prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland. pia.vihinen@TYKS.fi
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vihinen
authors.forename: Veli-Matti
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Kähäri
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D006801:Humans; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000201:enzymology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology*; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases