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Intravital Microscopy of Tumor-associated Vasculature Using Advanced Dorsal Skinfold Window Chambers on Transgenic Fluorescent Mice
Published on: January 19, 2018
Targeting vasculature in urologic tumors: mechanistic and therapeutic significance
Shinichi Sakamoto1, A Jacqueline Ryan, Natasha Kyprianou
1Division of Urology and Department of Molecular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Abstract:
Recent advances toward understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating cancer initiation and progression provide new insights into the therapeutic value of targeting tumor vascularity by interfering with angiogenic signaling pathways. The functional contribution of key angiogenic factors toward increased vascularity characterizing metastatic tumors and their therapeutic exploitation is considered in three major urologic malignancies, renal, bladder, and prostate cancer. With the realization that the success of the therapeutic efficacy of the various anti-angiogenic approaches for the treatment of urologic tumors has yet to be proven clinically, the challenge remains to select critical angiogenesis pathways that can be targeted for an individual tumor. Here we discuss the major mechanisms that support formation of vasculature in renal, bladder, and prostate tumors and the current results of targeting of specific molecules/regulators for therapeutic intervention against metastastic disease.
Insights
Targeting tumor vascularity via anti-angiogenic therapies shows promise for urologic cancers. Research explores key pathways in renal, bladder, and prostate cancers to improve treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Cancer progression involves complex molecular mechanisms.
- Tumor vascularity, driven by angiogenic signaling pathways, is crucial for metastasis.
- Understanding these pathways is key for developing effective cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of angiogenic factors in urologic malignancies (renal, bladder, prostate).
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vascularity.
- To highlight challenges and future directions in anti-angiogenic therapy for these cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on angiogenesis in urologic cancers.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating tumor vasculature.
- Examination of therapeutic exploitation of angiogenic pathways.
Main Results:
- Key angiogenic factors contribute to increased vascularity in metastatic urologic tumors.
- Targeting specific molecules shows potential for therapeutic intervention.
- Clinical efficacy of current anti-angiogenic approaches requires further validation.
Conclusions:
- Targeting tumor vascularity is a promising strategy for urologic cancers.
- Selecting critical angiogenesis pathways is essential for personalized treatment.
- Further research is needed to optimize anti-angiogenic therapies for improved clinical outcomes.
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