Possibility Of Antiangiogenetic Therapy For Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Mainly Focused Matrix Metalloproteinase

In 25 resected livers with HCC, an antigenecity retrieval methods was performed using anti-MMP-2,3,7,9, MT1-,2-MMP, and VEGF antibodies. The data was analyzed by semi-quantitative analysis. The appearance of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP during the carcinogenic process was enhanced in chronic hepatitis but suppressed in liver cirrhosis. In addition, the site of MMP-2 appeared well corresponded to the site of MT1-MMP during the carcinogenic process. A relationship between the expression of MMP-3 and the intrahepatic recurrence of cancer was suggested. MMP-7 and MMP-9 were important of tumor infiltration. A treatment with MMP inhibitors, taking these MMPs' network into consideration, can be thus expected.