[Mechanisms and role of lymphangiogenesis in cancer metastasis]

An important critical point in tumor progression is the acquisition of metastatic potential. The presence of metastases in regional lymph nodes is an indicator of poor survival. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of growth factors and receptors is involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Among them, VEGF-C and VEGF-D regulate the lymphatic vessels development and growth via their binding to their receptor VEGFR3. The expression of VEGF-C or VEGF-D is demonstrated in various human tumors and can be used as pronostic factors in some of them. With the aid of these molecules and the discovery of specific lymphatic markers, lymphatic endothelial cells can be isolated and lymphatic vessels can be identified within tumors. The role of lymphangiogenesis in promoting the metastatic spread of tumor cells has been studied in animal models.