Figure 7.

A model of possible implication of MMPIs in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Hypothesized phases in the induction of apoptosis in response to common chemotherapeutic agents in ovarian cancer. In phase I, cytotoxic agents impart damage to a critical component of the cell such as DNA or microtubules. In phase II, the cell recognizes the damage through signaling mechanisms. In phase III, the cell assesses the extent of damage and decides the appropriate response. In most cancer cells, the preferred response is the induction of apoptosis, whereas the response can also involve growth arrest to allow for repair or senescence or terminal cell differentiation. Cancer cells may acquire resistance to apoptosis at several points in this pathway. MMPs appear to induce the irreversible phase of apoptosis. Highly selective MMPIs may have a complementary role in the treatment of ovarian cancer and in particular in patients whose tumor overexpress MMP-9.