*6.2.13. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors*

The aberrant synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) leads to local tumor invasion by destroying the extracellular matrix and the basement membrane. Literature data have previously associated the high expression of some MMPs with a poor prognosis of gastric cancer [180, 181].

Marimastat is a broad-spectrum MMP. There was a study in patients with nonresectable gastric adenocarcinoma that revealed the first indication of a survival benefit for an MMP inhibitor, supporting a possible role for this agent as a maintenance treatment following chemotherapy [182].
