title: Tumor-initiating cells and tumor vascularization.
abstract: Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) with stem-like cell properties initiate and sustain progressive growth, resulting in a heterogeneous tumor mass. The survival and growth of tumors rely on the development of a vasculature to provide nutrients and oxygen. Crosstalk between TICs and vascularization may be one of the central players in the initiation, long-term maintenance, and progression of tumors. This review surveys current evidence concerning the crosstalk that occurs in tumor/stromal interactions, including genetic change, vascular niche, hypoxia, and dormancy of tumors. A better understanding of this crosstalk might help provide the basis for developing more effective therapeutic drug targets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Li-Zhi
authors.initials: LZ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Chang-Qing
authors.initials: CQ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhen-Yu
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Qing-Cheng
authors.initials: QC
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Bing-Fang
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Zeng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*