Targeting vessels to treat hepatocellular carcinoma.
The process of blood vessel proliferation, known as angiogenesis, is essential during embryonic development and organogenesis. In adult life, it participates in normal tissue repair, wound healing, and cyclical growth of the corpus luteum and the endometrium. Crucial as it is, angiogenesis can become pathological, and abnormal angiogenesis contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory and neoplasic diseases. The present review highlights the evidence for the role of angiogenesis in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) and discusses the increasing importance of inhibitors of angiogenesis in HCC therapy.
Romanque
Pamela
P
Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
Piguet
Anne-Christine
AC
Dufour
Jean-François
JF
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor