In conclusion, our current systematic study identified CTHRC1 as a invasion-driving gene that promotes NSCLC progression by activating c-Jun/MMP7, c-Jun/MMP9 and NF-κB/MMP9 signalling; thus, therapeutic targeting of CTHRC1 may be a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs against NSCLC. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.