However, a number of studies have demonstrated that the level of TIMP-1 is increased in several cancer forms, for example, colorectal and breast cancer and this increase has often been associated with a poor clinical outcome of the cancer patients (Ree et al, 1997; Holten-Andersen et al, 1999, 2000; McCarthy et al, 1999; Schrohl et al, 2004; Yukawa et al, 2004). This evidence concerns the gene TIMP1 and cancer.