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A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells
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Vasculogenic mimicry: current status and future prospects.

Shiwu Zhang1, Danfang Zhang, Baocun Sun

  • 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China. zhangshiwu666@yahoo.com.cn

Cancer Letters
|February 20, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a tumor vascularization process where cancer cells form blood vessels, bypassing normal endothelial cells. Targeting VM offers new therapeutic strategies for aggressive cancers.

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes tumor cells forming blood vessels, observed in aggressive cancers like melanoma and breast cancer.
  • This process differs from traditional endothelial cell-driven angiogenesis and contributes to tumor blood supply.
  • VM has been confirmed using advanced imaging and cell culture techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of VM in cancer.
  • To discuss the molecular mechanisms, influencing factors, and clinical significance of VM.
  • To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting VM.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on vasculogenic mimicry.
  • Analysis of research on molecular mechanisms, including metalloproteinases and VE-cadherin.

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Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells
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  • Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting VM, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and gene knockout approaches.

    • Main Results:

    • VM is a significant feature in various aggressive cancers, distinct from endothelial angiogenesis.
    • Key molecular players in VM include metalloproteinases, VE-cadherin, and tumor cell dedifferentiation.
    • Standard anti-angiogenic therapies are ineffective against VM-driven tumor supply.

    Conclusions:

    • Understanding VM's molecular basis is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
    • Targeting VM pathways presents a promising avenue for novel anti-cancer therapies.
    • Further research into VM mechanisms will guide the development of targeted treatments.