Importance and usefulness of diagnostic metaloproteinases in breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second highest cause of death of Polish women with cancer. Modern methods for cancer diagnostics are insufficient, and therefore also for searching for new tumour markers. One is the matrix metaloproteinases (MMPs). Proper regulation of metaloproteinase activity is important in the formation and development of cancer. Also the different stages of cancer are characterized by changes in the activity of matrix metaloproteinases. Especially MMPs-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9 and MMP-11 play a key role as their expression is associated with a reduction of tumour invasiveness. These enzymes are an important factor to determine the severity of the disease, which can significantly facilitate the further course of forecasting and selection of appropriate therapy.