MMP11 and neoplasm: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) secrete proteome factors, including MMP9 and MMP11.15 The critical role of tumor-associated macrophages was initially clarified in primary tumors; however, subsequent studies showed that these macrophages contributed to carcinogenesis and indicated a relationship between high counts of TAMs and poor prognosis in certain cancers.16 TAMs can lead to a lack of diagnosis of tumor antigens and can release factors that induce tumor growth and angiogenesis.