Tanomastat is a

matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor A matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI) inhibits matrix metalloproteinases. As they inhibit cell migration Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Tissue formation during embryonic d ...

(MMPI). Excision of malignant tumors comprises first line treatment for cancer of solid tissues. This procedure not infrequently misses small fragments of the tumor that may have broken off before surgery from the principal site of the disease. These fragments,

metastases Metastasis is a pathogenic agent's spread from an initial or primary site to a different or secondary site within the host's body; the term is typically used when referring to metastasis by a cancerous tumor. The newly pathological sites, then ...

, often proliferate at quite remote locations where they cause much of the pathology of cancer. A series of proteolytic enzymes present in tumor cells, known as

matrix metalloproteinases Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also known as matrix metallopeptidases or matrixins, are metalloproteinases that are calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases; other family members are adamalysins, serralysins, and astacins. The MMPs ...

, help establish growth of these

at the newly invaded sites; these

proteases A protease (also called a peptidase, proteinase, or proteolytic enzyme) is an enzyme that catalyzes (increases reaction rate or "speeds up") proteolysis, breaking down proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids, and spurring the for ...

are also involved in the formation of new blood vessels that will nourish the invasive cell masses. Consequently, considerable research has been devoted to

as a target for anticancer drugs. Clinical results with these compounds have to date produced equivocal results.

References

Chloroarenes Ketones Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors Thioethers {{antimicrobial-stub

See also

References