Gefitinib decreases the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase and the adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins of colon cancer cells.

Background: Adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and degradation of basement membranes by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) play important roles in cancer metastasis. In this study, the effects of gefitinib on the enzymatic activity of MMP and adhesion to ECM proteins in the HT29 colon cancer cell line were investigated.

Materials And Methods: Microtiter plates, coated with ECM proteins, were used to investigate the adhesion of cancer cells to ECM proteins.