Related Experiment Videos
New non-angiogenesis dependent pathways for tumour growth
D Ribatti1, A Vacca, F Dammacco
1Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico, 70124 Bari, Italy. ribatti@anatomia.uniba.it
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|August 23, 2003
Summary
Tumors can grow without new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) by co-opting existing vessels or forming their own channels (vascular mimicry). Bone marrow stem cells may also contribute to tumor vascularization and lymphatic spread.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis are traditionally considered angiogenesis-dependent.
- Angiogenesis involves the formation of new blood vessels to supply tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on alternative tumor vascularization mechanisms beyond angiogenesis.
- To explore the roles of vascular co-option, vascular mimicry, and stem cells in tumor development.
- To summarize lymphoangiogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of histomorphological studies.
- Analysis of research on tumor vascularization and stem cell contributions.
- Summary of lymphoangiogenesis mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Some tumors utilize vascular co-option (using existing vessels) or vascular mimicry (forming non-endothelial channels).
- Bone marrow-derived stem cells may serve as endothelial precursor cells for tumor neovascularization.
- Lymphoangiogenesis facilitates tumor cell metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Tumor vascularization is more complex than solely angiogenesis.
- Alternative pathways like vascular co-option and mimicry are significant.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.