MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES AND TUMOR INVASION - FROM CORRELATION AND CAUSALITY TO THE CLINIC

Tumor cell invasion is now viewed as dysregulated physiologic invasion . Investigators have started to define the molecular events that are i nvolved in this process. We find that there are many functional simila rities with molecular events involved in physiologic process such as a ngiogenesis and wound healing. Matrix metalloproteinase activity is a common denominator in these pathologic conditions and in normal respon ses. Studies using endogenous metalloproteinase inhibitors suggest tha t targeting matrix metalloproteinase activity may prevent tumor cell d issemination. The development and pre-clinical testing of novel, low m olecular weight matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors support this conce pt and suggest that an. exciting new era of cancer therapy is on the h orizon.