MMP9 and neoplasm: Moreover, in athymic NCr-nu/nu mice implanted with MDA-MB-231 cells, combined treatment with 100 mg/kg of CUR plus 7 mg/kg of paclitaxel (a) significantly suppressed tumor growth; (b) markedly reduced tumor cell proliferation rate; (c) improved inhibition of MMP-9 expression; and (d) enhanced apoptosis compared to treatment with CUR or paclitaxel alone.