Mechanisms of angiogenesis and their use in the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis.
There is a constant requirement for vascular supply in solid tumors. Tumor-associated neovascularization allows the tumor cells to express their critical growth advantage. Axillary lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in operable breast cancer, and experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the process of metastasis is also angiogenesis-dependent. Various angiogenic growth factors and cytokines induce neovascularization in tumors, namely members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin (Ang) gene families. A strong correlation has been found between VEGF expression and increased tumor microvasculature, malignancy, and metastasis in breast cancer. Anti-angiogenic therapy approaches offer a new promising anti-cancer strategy and a remarkably diverse group of over 20 such drugs is currently undergoing evaluation in clinical trials.
Saaristo
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A
Molecular/Cancer Biology Laboratory and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Karpanen
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T
Alitalo
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K
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D042683:Angiopoietin-1; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D042683:Angiopoietin-1; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011506:Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors