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Absence of functional lymphatics within a murine sarcoma: a molecular and functional evaluation
A J Leu1, D A Berk, A Lymboussaki
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Cancer Research
|September 2, 2000
Summary
Functional lymphatic capillaries are absent within solid tumors, despite growth factors being present. Solid stress from cancer cells may prevent lymphatic vessel formation, impacting tumor metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Cancer Metastasis
Background:
- The relationship between lymphatic vessels and cancer metastasis is clinically recognized but poorly understood.
- Tumor microenvironments contain lymphangiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and its receptor VEGF receptor 3.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of lymphatic capillaries within solid tumors.
- To understand the mechanisms regulating tumor lymphatic vessel formation.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of tumor tissues to identify lymphatic vessels.
- Immunohistochemistry to detect VEGF-C and VEGF receptor 3 expression.
- Assessment of lymphatic vessel function and morphology in relation to tumor stroma.
Main Results:
- Functional lymphatic capillaries were absent in the interior of solid tumors.
- Enlarged, VEGF receptor 3-positive lymphatic vessels were observed at the tumor periphery.
- Lymphangiogenic factors were present within tumors, yet functional lymphatics did not form internally.
Conclusions:
- Tumor growth and associated solid stress may inhibit the formation of functional lymphatic vessels.
- This inhibition of lymphatic vessel development could influence tumor metastasis.
- Targeting solid stress may be a strategy to promote functional lymphangiogenesis in tumors.