Role of proteases in pancreatic carcinoma.

Proteases play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. In this review we specifically discuss the role of these proteases in pancreatic carcinoma. Serine proteases and matrix metalloproteinases are the focus of intense research, as they appear to be related to the process of tumor progression. We discuss the diagnostic and prognostic value of these two groups of proteases. Lastly, we report on the current and recent clinical trials focusing on inhibition of these proteases.