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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
09:04

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Published on: March 15, 2016

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors: expression and function in solid tumors

Jane S Wey1, Oliver Stoeltzing, Lee M Ellis

  • 1Department of Surgical Oncology, Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology : H&O
|September 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are found on tumor cells, not just blood vessel cells. This discovery offers new therapeutic targets for anti-VEGF cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for tumor angiogenesis.
  • VEGF signaling involves ligands, tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFRs), and neuropilin co-receptors.
  • VEGFRs are traditionally known to be on endothelial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects and interactions of VEGFRs on endothelial cells.
  • To present evidence for VEGFR expression and function on tumor cells.
  • To explore the implications of VEGFRs on tumor cells for anti-VEGF therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on VEGF and VEGFR.
  • Analysis of evidence for VEGFR expression in non-endothelial and tumor cells.
  • Discussion of the functional implications of VEGFRs in tumor cells.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence shows VEGFR expression on various non-endothelial cells, including tumor cells.
  • VEGFRs are functional in these non-endothelial systems.
  • VEGF signaling in tumor cells adds complexity to the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • VEGFR expression on tumor cells is a significant finding.
  • This novel expression expands the understanding of VEGF's role in cancer.
  • Targeting VEGFRs on tumor cells may refine anti-cancer treatment strategies.

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