Targeting tumor blood vessels: an adjuvant strategy for radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
The neovascularization of tumor cells is a prerequisite if a clinically relevant tumor size is to be reached. A continuously expanding vessel network supplying nutritional requirements and removing waste products is essential for continued tumor development, growth and survival.


RESULTS
In many tumors, the growing endothelium is unable to fully support the demands of the neoplastic cell population. As a consequence of the inadequacies of the resulting aberrant vasculature, microenvironmental conditions develop in tumors which are not only detrimental to the response of tumors to conventional anticancer treatments, but may lead to or predispose cells to genetic modifications resulting in more aggressive phenotypes and higher metastatic potential. Yet the utter dependence of the tumor on its induced vessel formation for growth, survival and spread has also created a great deal of enthusiasm for developing therapeutic approaches to specifically targeting the tumor microcirculation.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of such strategies as adjuvants to conventional radiation treatments offers unique opportunities to develop more effective cancer therapies.
Siemann
D W
DW
Department of Radiation Oncology, Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida, Box 100385, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Warrington
K H
KH
Horsman
M R
MR
D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000528:radiation effects; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity