In conclusion, apatinib can inhibit the expression of VEGFR-2, and downregulate the ERK1/2/PI3K/MMP-2 signaling cascade, which may be one of the underlying mechanisms by which apatinib inhibits angiogenesis and the development of VM in models of melanoma cancer, and restrains the formation of VM by MUM-2B cells. This evidence concerns the gene MMP2 and melanoma.