Comment

To reproduce and spread to other parts in the body, cancer cells degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) by secreting various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which have been correlated with the aggressiveness of tumor growth. There is compelling evidence to suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 play important roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study demonstrated that the technique of co-culture assay offers a superior screening system for potential cancer drugs or agents that have either enhancing or inhibitory effects on MMPs.