M. Egeblad, Z. Werb
Mar 1, 2002
Citations
275
Influential Citations
5,933
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Nature Reviews Cancer
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been associated with cancer-cell invasion and metastasis. This provided the rationale for clinical trials of MMP inhibitors, unfortunately with disappointing results. We now know, however, that the MMPs have functions other than promotion of invasion, have substrates other than components of the extracellular matrix, and that they function before invasion in the development of cancer. With this knowledge in hand, can we rethink the use of MMP inhibitors in the clinic?