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

Ann Surg Oncol. 2002 Aug;9(7):668-74. doi: 10.1007/BF02574483.

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 BAY12-9566. Herein, we discuss the roles of MMPs and their inhibition in pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Humans
  • Hydroxamic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / genetics
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Hydroxamic Acids
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases
  • marimastat
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases