The clinical implications of angiogenesis in the treatment of cancer.
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is a very well controlled multistep process under physiologic conditions. It involves a balance between several positive and negative regulators. Pathologic angiogenesis, both excessive and insufficient, plays a role in the pathophysiology of many diseases including cancer. It has been proven that tumor growth and metastasis are angiogenesis-dependent. Endothelial cells and tumor cells also provide a mutual support to each other via the secretion of several substances. Targeting tumor blood vessels is a new approach to the treatment of cancer. Clinical trials are currently underway and the results appear to be very promising.
Aoun
Elie
E
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Taher
Ali
A
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000502:physiology; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D042683:Angiopoietin-1; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000502:physiology; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D042683:Angiopoietin-1; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases