Abstract
Matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-7 is associated with malignant aggressiveness and prognosis in various cancers. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues, it has been reported that MMP-7 is overexpressed in cancer cells and on newly formed vascular endothelial cells, and it is associated with cancer cell invasion and metastasis. From these facts, the possibility exists that measurement of blood MMP-7 levels is useful marker in diagnosis and monitoring or prediction of prognosis in patients with RCC. MMP-7 is secreted in its precursor form and it can be activated by endoproteases. Furthermore, MMP-7 is composed of various domains and fragments. Reliable method and objection is needed to investigate the usefulness of MMP-7 as a human biomarker of RCC.