Angiogenesis in cutaneous melanoma: pathogenesis and clinical implications

Neovacularization is an essential step in the multistage progression of malignant melanoma. The onset of new blood vessel formation is ushered in by the release of VEGF and numerous other angiogenic molecules by the tumor cells. Human melanoma is unique among neoplasms that both avascular (early horizontal growth phase characterized by very slow progression and 99%, 10-year survival) and vascular (late radial and vertical growth phase associated with rapid growth, metastasis and death in many cases), phases are discernible by the naked eye. Although cell biologists have made great strides in unraveling the mechanisms involved in the laying down of tumor vasculature and the factors that inhibit it, clinicians treating melanoma have been rather slow to realize and utilize the full potential of suppressing the tumor blood flow to the best advantage of the patient. We suggest a consorted endeavor by all the melanoma experts across the globe to establish an "angiogenesis database" wherein they pool the blood flow and vascularity information along with Breslow's thickness, Clark's level of invasion, lymphatic and vascular invasion, regression, and outcome of their patients.