MMP9 and cancer: As both neutrophils and platelets can stimulate cancer progression by enhancing tumor angiogenesis, tumor cells’ epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and IL-6 or IL-8, it is possible that tumor become aggressive in patients with neutrophilia and thrombocytosis.