基质金属蛋白酶(Matrix Metalloproteinases,MMPs)是与肿瘤相关的一个蛋白酶家族,这个家族拥有29个成员,它们广泛参与肿瘤细胞的生长、侵袭和转移以及血管生成过程。基质金属蛋白酶7(MMP7)由于其结构特点和生理活性,被认为是这个家族中最重要的成员之一。在MMPs广谱抑制剂临床实验均不理想的情况下,对MMP7与肿瘤关系的深入研究,有助于更好的针对MMP7的肿瘤药物的研发。文章介绍了MMP7在肿瘤生长、侵袭转移和肿瘤血管生成中相关作用机制,并对MMP7在肿瘤诊断和治疗中的最新研究进展做了简要综述。 Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of tumor-associated proteases that have 29 members and are extensively involved in tumor cell growth, invasion and metastasis, and angiogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) is considered as one of the most important members of this family due to its structural features and physiological activity. In clinical trials of MMPs broad-spectrum inhibitors are not ideal circumstances, the depth of the relationship between MMP7 and tumor research, contribute to the better development of oncology drugs for MMP7. This article introduced the mechanism of MMP7 in tumor growth, invasion and metastasis and tumor angiogenesis, and reviewed the recent progress of MMP7 in tumor diagnosis and treatment.