Progress of Relationship between Matrix Metalloproteinases and Occurrence and Development of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the genital malignancy with the highest mortality. Many researches have suggested that matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) have a large number of expression in ovarian cancer tissues. MMPs are related to the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer, meanwhile, some studies have discovered that the unbalance of MMPs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMPs) are associated with malignant phenotype of tumors. Hence, exploring the mechanism of MMPs in ovarian cancer will help develop effective anti-tumor drugs, consequently, improve the survival rate of patients with ovarian cancer.