title: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Signaling in Tumour Vascularization: Potential and Challenges.
abstract: Angiogenesis is defined as the physiological process by which new blood vessels develop from pre-existing vessels; either by sprouting or intussusception. Inhibition of angiogenesis is one of the most encouraging strategies to manage the growth and metastasis of cancers. The functional and proliferative status of blood vessels is regulated by the balance between various key molecules that either stimulate or inhibit angiogenesis. During quiescence, the "angiogenic switch" is "off". However, during tumour development pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 are pathologically enhanced. Persistent growth of tumour directed capillary networks creates a favourable microenvironment, promoting cancer growth, progression and metastasis. VEGF, particularly VEGF-A, is a key angiogenic factor. Targeting VEGF, its receptors and the downstream signaling cascade, is a viable strategy to prevent tumour growth and metastasis. The present review discusses the role of VEGF in tumour angiogenesis and the current understanding of anti-VEGF therapies as well as refractoriness of anti-angiogenesis cancer therapy.
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Kodappully Sivaraman
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Siveen
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Kirti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Prabhu
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Roopesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krishnankutty
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Shilpa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kuttikrishnan
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Magdalini
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsakou
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Feras Q
authors.initials: FQ
authors.lastname: Alali
authors.affiliation: Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Said
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dermime
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Ramzi M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Mohammad
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha. Qatar.
authors.forename: Shahab
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Uddin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000187:drug effects*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
keywords: VEGF; angiogenic balance; anti-VEGF therapy; extracellular matrix; food and drug administration; tumour angiogenesis