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Photodynamic Therapy Targeting Matrix Metalloproteases in Cancer: Standpoint for an Innovative Anticancer Strategy

Vanya Mantareva1, Diana Braikova1, Mingna Sun2,3

  • 1Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Str. Bld. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key in cancer progression. Inhibiting MMPs, potentially combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT), offers a promising strategy to limit malignancy growth and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial enzymes implicated in cancer growth and metastasis.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a localized cancer treatment that can influence MMP activity.
  • Current MMP inhibitors show limited clinical efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in targeting cancer-related MMPs as therapeutic targets.
  • To explore innovative approaches for MMP inhibition in cancer therapy.
  • To discuss the interplay between PDT and MMPs and the potential of combination therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on MMPs in cancer.
  • Analysis of novel MMP inhibitor (MMPI) designs and preclinical study outcomes.
  • Evaluation of PDT's effects on MMPs and combined therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • While some small-molecule MMP inhibitors have failed in clinical trials, novel complex MMPIs show high preclinical efficacy.
  • PDT can influence MMPs, sometimes activating them, but MMP inhibitors like Prinomastat can improve PDT outcomes.
  • Combining therapies targeting MMPs and utilizing PDT presents an opportunity to enhance anti-cancer efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting cancer-related MMPs remains a significant area for therapeutic development.
  • Novel MMPIs with complex structures demonstrate promise in preclinical settings.
  • Combination strategies involving MMP inhibition and PDT warrant further investigation for improved cancer treatment.
Keywords:
anticancer therapeutic strategycancerinhibitorsmatrix metalloproteasesmetastasesphotodynamic therapyphotosensitizers

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