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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Angiogenesis in cancer: molecular mechanisms, clinical impact
M E Eichhorn1, A Kleespies, M K Angele
1Department of Surgery, Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 80337 Munich, Germany.
Background:
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from the endothelium of the existing vasculature, is fundamental in tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Inhibiting tumor angiogenesis is a promising strategy for treatment of cancer and has been successfully transferred from preclinical to clinical application in recent years. Whereas conventional therapeutic approaches, e.g. chemotherapy and radiation, are focussing on tumor cells, antiangiogenic therapy is directed against the tumor supplying blood vessels.
Materials And Methods:
This review will summarize important molecular mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis and advances in the design of antiangiogenic drugs. Furthermore, clinical implications of antiangiogenic therapy in surgical oncology will be discussed.
Results:
First antiangiogenic drugs have been approved for treatment of advanced solid tumors in several countries. Leading antiangiogenic drugs are designed to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated tumor angiogenesis. Combining antiangiogenic agents with conventional chemotherapy or radiation is currently investigated clinically with great emphasis to realize a multimodal tumor therapy, targeting both the tumor cell and tumor vascular compartment.
Conclusion:
Antiangiogenic tumor therapy represents a promising strategy for treatment of cancer and will most likely exhibit its clinical potential in combination with established standard tumor therapies in the future.
Insights
Antiangiogenic therapy targets tumor blood vessels, inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis. Combining these therapies with conventional treatments shows promise for multimodal cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for tumor growth, progression, and metastasis.
- Antiangiogenic therapy offers a targeted approach against tumor vasculature, distinct from conventional treatments focusing on tumor cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis.
- To discuss advances in antiangiogenic drug design.
- To explore clinical implications of antiangiogenic therapy in surgical oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing molecular mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis.
- Discussion of advancements in antiangiogenic drug development.
- Analysis of clinical applications and outcomes of antiangiogenic therapies.
Main Results:
- Approved antiangiogenic drugs primarily target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis.
- Combination therapies integrating antiangiogenic agents with chemotherapy or radiation are under active clinical investigation.
- Multimodal approaches aim to simultaneously target tumor cells and their vascular supply.
Conclusions:
- Antiangiogenic therapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
- The future clinical potential of antiangiogenic therapy lies in its combination with established standard cancer treatments.
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