[Significance of angiogenesis and clinical application of anti-angiogenesis]

Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis and depends upon the production of angiogenic factors by host and/or tumor cells. Increased vascularity may allow not only an increase in tumor growth but also a greater chance for hematogenous metastasis. We have already reported that vessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression are higher in metastatic tumors than in nonmetastatic tumors and that VEGF and its receptor, the KDR ligand/receptor system, also correlate with metastasis. Therefore the anti-VEGF antibody and VEGF receptor antagonist are potential targets for antiangiogenesis therapy in colon cancer. Clinical trials of such agents are continuing to phase II/III in the USA and Europe. In this paper, we introduce data on antiangiogenesis agents in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and point out that the strategy for antiangiogenesis is not tumor shrinkage but tumor dormancy.