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

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.