Angiogenesis-related factors are molecular targets for diagnosis and treatment of patients with esophageal carcinoma.
Angiogenesis plays an essential role in the growth and metastasis of esophageal carcinoma. Vascular endothelial growth factor, thymidine phosphorylase, fibroblast growth factor, midkine, and hepatocyte growth factor have been reported to be vital molecules for tumor angiogenesis. Polymorphisms in gene encoding angiogenic factors or their receptors may alter protein expression and/or activity. Increased angiogenic-factor expression and increased serum levels of these molecules were found to be associated with poor treatment response and poor prognosis. We reviewed the clinicopathological significance of angiogenesis-related molecules in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Antiangiogenic molecular-treatment strategies are also discussed.
Department of Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Yoko
Y
Oshima
Satoshi
S
Yajima
Kunihiro
K
Yamazaki
Kazuyuki
K
Matsushita
Masatoshi
M
Tagawa
Hideaki
H
Shimada
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D019859:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / Q000378:metabolism
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor; D019859:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met