MMP9 and breast carcinoma: Serum MMP9 levels have also been shown to be significantly associated with breast cancer stage and size (Motovali-Bashi et al, 2010), gastric cancer stage (Dragutinovic et al, 2009), stromal reaction in gastric cancer (Shen et al, 2000), and CRC stage (Dragutinovic et al, 2011).