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Published on: June 2, 2022
[Metalloproteinases in tumor progression. Review]
Francisco Arvelo1, Carlos Cotte
1Laboratorio de Cultivo de Tejidos y Biología de Tumores, Instituto de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Apartado 47114, Caracas, Venezuela. franarvelo@yahoo.com
Investigacion Clinica
|August 5, 2006
Summary
Metalloproteinases (MMP) are key to cancer spread, influencing tumor growth, invasion, and blood vessel formation. While MMP inhibitors show promise, their clinical effectiveness in advanced cancer remains limited.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry and Enzyme Function
Context:
- Cancer malignancy is determined by infiltration and metastasis.
- Tumor cells interact with their stroma, driving inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
- Proteases, particularly matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are crucial in facilitating tumor invasion and progression.
Purpose:
- To review the multifaceted role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cancer.
- To explore MMP involvement in tumor promotion, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
- To discuss the therapeutic implications of MMPs in cancer treatment.
Summary:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes critical for extracellular matrix degradation, thereby promoting tumor cell invasion and metastasis.
- MMPs are implicated in various stages of cancer, including angiogenesis and the interaction between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma.
- Synthetic MMP inhibitors have demonstrated anti-tumor effects in preclinical models but have shown limited efficacy in clinical trials for advanced cancers.
Impact:
- Understanding MMPs' role is vital for developing targeted cancer therapies.
- This review highlights the complex involvement of MMPs in cancer progression, informing future research directions.
- The findings underscore the need for novel therapeutic strategies targeting MMPs or their pathways for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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