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Matrix metalloproteinases and their role in pancreatic cancer: A review of preclinical studies and clinical trials

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Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have received much attention in recent years for their role in a variety of malignancies. Pancreatic cancer is no exception; MMP-2 and MMP-9 show high levels of expression in clinical and experimental models. Inhibition of MMPs has shown great promise with synthetic inhibitors, such as BB-94, as tumorostatic agents in preclinical models, particularly when these are combined with gemcitabine. These findings have led to several clinical trials using the MMP inhibitors Marimastat and BAY 12-9566. Herein, we discuss the roles of MMPs and their inhibition in pancreatic cancer.

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  1. Department of Surgery, University of South Florida, Room F-145, PO Box 1289, 33601, Tampa, FL

    Mark Bloomston MD, Emmanuel E. Zervos MD & Alexander S. Rosemurgy II MD

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  1. Mark Bloomston MD
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  2. Emmanuel E. Zervos MD
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  3. Alexander S. Rosemurgy II MD
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Correspondence to Alexander S. Rosemurgy II MD.

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Bloomston, M., Zervos, E.E. & Rosemurgy, A.S. Matrix metalloproteinases and their role in pancreatic cancer: A review of preclinical studies and clinical trials. Annals of Surgical Oncology 9, 668–674 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02574483

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02574483

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