METHODS FOR TREATING CANCER AND SENSITIZING CANCER CELLS USING THE SERINE PROTEASE INHIBITOR, MASPIN

摘要

Disclosed are methods using the serine protease inhibitor, maspin, for (a) the treatment or prevention of cancer; (b) modulation of cellular cathepsin D levels; (c) sensitizing cancer cells to anti-cancer/anti-neoplastic agents. Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting degradation of extracellular matrix and treatment or prevention of cancer and metastasis. Further disclosed is an assay for determining the likelihood of developing metastatic cancer. Compositions useful in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.