Conclusions
In this study, we not only provide convincing evidence that thrombin plays a crucial role in NSCLC, but also an explanation as to why intravascular coagulation with generation of thrombosis has been observed in most patients with solid tumors. We conclude that thrombin plays an important role in PAR-1-mediated NSCLC invasion and metastasis through RhoA and NF-κB signaling cascades via promoting the expression of MMP9 and IL6. We conclude that the highly specific, potent, thrombin inhibitor DTIP inhibit tumor spontaneous seeding of the tumor systemically into the vital organs, tumor metastasis in NSCLC. We suggest treatment with DTIP should start immediately after diagnosis (before extensive tumor development) and in conjunction with chemotherapy.