[Lymphangiogenesis and tumor progression].
Numerous data show a functional link between lymphangiogenesis, lymph node invasion by tumoral cells and metastasis. During the last decade, the identification of lymphatic endothelial cell-specific markers has allowed the investigation of lymphangiogenesis regulatory mechanisms and the analysis of its involvement in tumoral progression. Among regulatory systems, the growth factors VEGF-C and D, that bind and activate their common receptor VEGFR3, appear to play an important role in this process. Therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway or, in a general manner, aiming at inhibiting tumoral lymphangiogenesis are now considered to block the development of tumoral metastasis. Further fundamental and clinical studies are clearly needed to establish the pronostic value of lymphangiogenesis and to validate anti-lymphangiogenic therapies in the treatment of metastatic cancers.
Vittet
Daniel
D
Inserm U878, iRTSV/LAPV, CEA Grenoble, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9. daniel.vittet@cea.fr
Feige
Jean-Jacques
JJ
D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D042643:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D040321:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; D042643:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D; D040321:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3