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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
Published on: September 30, 2016
A targeted approach for antiangiogenic therapy of metastatic human colon cancer
1Department of Cancer Biology and Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, 444 Houston, Texas 77030-4009, USA.
Abstract:
The realization that the growth and spread of tumors are dependent on angiogenesis has created new avenues of research designed to help us to better understand cancer biology and to facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies. However, the process of angiogenesis consists of multiple sequential and interdependent steps with a myriad of positive and negative regulators of angiogenesis being involved. The survival of tumors and thus their metastases are dependent on the balance of endogenous angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors such that the outcome favors increased angiogenesis. Several growth factors have been identified that regulate angiogenesis in colon cancer; the most important of these is vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition, specific integrins such as alphavbeta3 and alpha5beta1 mediate endothelial cell survival and have been shown to be overexpressed on the endothelium of colon cancer. These angiogenic mediators thus serve as targets for therapy of metastatic colon cancer and have shown promise in preclinical trials.
Insights
Tumor growth and spread rely on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Targeting key angiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor shows promise for treating metastatic colon cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Tumor growth and metastasis are critically dependent on angiogenesis.
- Angiogenesis involves complex, regulated steps with numerous factors influencing its balance.
- Tumor survival hinges on a pro-angiogenic balance of endogenous factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of angiogenesis in colon cancer biology.
- To identify key regulators of angiogenesis in colon cancer.
- To evaluate potential therapeutic targets for metastatic colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Identification of growth factors regulating angiogenesis in colon cancer.
- Analysis of integrin expression (alphavbeta3, alpha5beta1) on colon cancer endothelium.
- Review of preclinical data for targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a primary regulator of angiogenesis in colon cancer.
- Specific integrins (alphavbeta3, alpha5beta1) are overexpressed on colon cancer endothelium and support endothelial cell survival.
- These mediators represent viable therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- Understanding angiogenesis is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Targeting VEGF and specific integrins offers a promising strategy for treating metastatic colon cancer.
- Preclinical studies support the therapeutic potential of targeting angiogenic mediators.
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