MMP7 modulation by short- and long-term radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer
Background/aim: Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) expression is highly associated with colorectal cancer and modulates tumour growth and invasion. Radiation injury induces inflammation with increases in MMP7 and in transforming growth factor beta (TGF?). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect on MMP7 and TGF?. expression in patients with rectal cancer undergoing different regimens of neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT).