The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful as anti-tumor agents and for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin covering and wound dressings that inhibit expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and encourage healing.