TNC and neoplasm: In addition, the MMP-9 expression was significantly correlated with TN-C expression, this co-expression and co-location of MMP-9 with TN-C in pancreatic cancer may imply that MMP-9 helps TN-C incorporate into the stroma to form tube-shaped structures named “tubular matrix channels” or “vasculogenic mimicry”, which guide tumor cells to migrate to vascular invasion [20].