The regulation of angiogenesis in neuroblastoma.
Angiogenesis is required for the growth and metastasis of malignant tumors, and high vascular density has been correlated with aggressive tumor growth in many types of cancer. This process is regulated by the local balance of stimulatory and inhibitory molecules produced by tumor cells, stromal cells, and the organ-specific environment. In neuroblastoma, a pediatric malignancy that is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical behavior, angiogenesis also appears to play an important role in determining tumor phenotype. The nature of the angiogenic balance in neuroblastoma is complex, and a spectrum of angiogenesis stimulators and inhibitors has been detected in neuroblastoma tumors. This review summarizes our current understanding of the regulation of angiogenesis in neuroblastoma.
Chlenski
Alexandre
A
Department of Pediatrics and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Liu
Shuqing
S
Cohn
Susan L
SL
D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism*; D009423:Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology