MMP2 and cancer: Consistent with the MesoMT and fibrosis, which are critical processes for cancer peritoneal metastasis 16, the expressions of MesoMT-related and fibrosis-related gene sets, including mesenchymal factors (CDH2, VIM, ACTA2), MesoMT-related factors (SERPINE1, VEGFA, VEGFB) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling factors (TNC, FN1, MMP2, ICAM1, ECM1) were increased in the PMCs of the LCP group (Figure 2C).