title: Lymphangiogenesis and Anti-lymphangiogenesis in Cutaneous Melanoma.
abstract: Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor characterized by early lymph node metastasis and bad prognosis. Although the spread of tumor cells in the regional lymph nodes is very important in the staging, prognosis and therapeutic strategy of malignant melanoma, the mechanism(s) of initial lymphatic vessels invasion is are) not completely understood. In the present review, we analyze the main factors involved in melanoma-associated lymphangiogenesis, based on existing available evidence. Currently, there are no anti-lymphangiogenic drugs approved for clinical trials. On the other hand, inhibition of lymph node metastasis has been demonstrated in experimental models by inhibiting tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Angiogenesis Research Center "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.
authors.forename: Marius
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raica
authors.affiliation: Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Angiogenesis Research Center "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.
authors.forename: Adriana-Andreea
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Jitariu
authors.affiliation: Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Angiogenesis Research Center "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania ancacimpean1972@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Anca Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cimpean
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism; D000096142:Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
keywords: Lymphangiogenesis; anti-lymphangiogenic therapy; growth factors; lymph node metastasis; malignant melanoma; prognosis; review