Prognostic role of angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.
The need for dependable prognostic markers in colorectal cancer, both in the advanced as well the as adjuvant setting, is greater than ever. The introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents in the clinic, with different mechanisms of action as well as different side-effect profiles, has made this even more important. Angiogenesis, the formation of new vessels, is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. The adverse impact of tumour angiogenesis in the context of colorectal cancer on relapse and prognosis has been evaluated in numerous retrospective studies. Most of these studies have tended to be relatively small in terms of patient numbers and sometimes have reached conflicting conclusions. A number of different angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and intratumoural microvessel density (IMD), have been assessed to varying extents. This article highlights some of the important developments in this rapidly expanding field.
Papamichael
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Department of Medical Oncology, BOC Oncology Center, Nicosia, Cyprus. demetris.papamichael@bococ.org.cy
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D013939:Thymidine Phosphorylase / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D013939:Thymidine Phosphorylase