The role of matrix metalloproteinases in gastric cancer progression

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the alimentary tract and is characterized by late clinical presentation and rapid progression due to its invasive nature and early metastatic ability.Matrix metalloproteinases play a crucial role during the process that cancer cell degrades extracellular matrix and basement membrane barriers.These enzymes affect the early carcinogenesis,tumor development,tumor growth and the invasion of cancer cell at primary and metastatic sites.However,further investigations concerning the role of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in tumor biology are needed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer patients.