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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Angiogenesis and progression in human melanoma
R Ria1, A Reale, A Castrovilli
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari I-70124, Italy.
Dermatology Research and Practice
|July 16, 2010
Summary
Tumor growth involves uncontrolled new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). In melanoma, this process, driven by specific cytokines and integrins, promotes metastasis and poor prognosis, leading to anti-angiogenic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Cancer Metastasis
Background:
- Tumor growth relies on uncontrolled angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels.
- Malignant melanoma is highly metastatic, treatment-resistant, and characterized by extensive vascularization.
- Melanoma progression involves increased laminin receptor expression, aiding tumor cell adhesion and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of angiogenesis in melanoma progression and metastasis.
- To identify key molecular factors driving melanoma neovascularization and invasion.
- To explore potential anti-angiogenic therapeutic targets for melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of melanoma cell characteristics, including vascular channel formation and laminin receptor expression.
- Assessment of angiogenic cytokine secretion (e.g., VEGF-A, FGF-2) and integrin expression (e.g., alphavbeta3).
- Evaluation of metalloprotease activity in relation to melanoma invasion and angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- Melanoma neovascularization correlates with poor prognosis, reduced survival, ulceration, and relapse.
- Melanoma cells secrete angiogenic cytokines that promote the switch to vertical growth and metastasis.
- Overexpression of specific integrins and increased metalloprotease release enhance melanoma invasiveness and angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis is a critical driver of melanoma progression and metastasis.
- Melanoma-associated angiogenesis presents multiple molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
- Various anti-angiogenic agents are under investigation for melanoma treatment.
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