The multifaceted roles of matrix metalloproteinases in lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Though the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are widely investigated in lung cancer (LC), however, almost no review systematically clarify their multi-faced roles in LC. METHODS: We investigated the expression of MMPs and their effects on survival of patients with LC, the resistance mechanisms of MMPs in anti-tumor therapy, the regulatory networks of MMPs involved, the function of MMPs inducing CSCLs, MMPs-related tumor immunity, and effects of MMP polymorphisms on risk of LC. RESULTS: High expression of MMPs was mainly related to poor survival, high clinical stages and cancer metastasis. Role of MMPs in LC are multi-faced. MMPs are involved in drug resistance, induced CSCLs, participated in tumor immunity. Besides, MMPs polymorphisms may increase risk of LC. CONCLUSIONS: MMPs might be promising targets to restore the anti-tumor immune response and enhance the killing function of nature immune cells in LC.