The role of MMP-14 in the development and progression of Prostate Cancer: A Scoping Review Protocol

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy in men globally, with approximately 1.4 million cases being reported in 2020. Despite advancements in treatment, PCa remains a leading cause of cancer death, which has been increasingly linked to metastatic development. Matrix Metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix, promoting cancer cell invasion and angiogenesis. It is associated with poor prognostic outcomes in various cancers, though its specific role in prostate cancer remains debated. This review aims to map and summarize existing literature on MMP-14's involvement in PCa pathogenesis, including its utilisation as a marker for diagnosis, therapy, and/or prognosis of prostate cancer. In this protocol we describe our eligibility (inclusion/exclusion) criteria, search strategy, and our planned methods of screening, extracting and synthesising data.