Cancer research

The research at the Finsen Laboratory is focused on proteolytic mechanisms in cancer invasion and metastasis. Our work has contributed to the current understanding of the biochemical and cellular mechanisms of invasion and has also opened new, important areas of research that are now being intensively investigated by us as well as others.

Proteolytic degradation of basement membranes and the extracellular matrix appears to be crucial for both cancer invasion and metastasis. These proteolytic processes are undertaken by the cooperative action of several proteases. Among those, we have focused primarily on the serine protease plasmin and a number of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). The activities of these proteases are regulated by a complex array of activators, inhibitors and cellular receptors and the extracellular cleavage reractions are complemented by endocytic processes. In addition, there is a complex interplay between cancer cells and non-malignant stromal cells during the breakdown of the extracellular matrix. For some types of cancer this cellular interplay appears to mimic that observed in certain non-neoplastic tissue remodeling processes.

This research field has now reached a stage where it presents important clinical implications. Several of the molecules involved in matrix degradation have proven to be strong prognostic markers in various types of cancer. However, much work is still needed in basic, preclinical and clinical research in order to provide a rational basis for making the clinical applications of our present insights successful.