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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
[Tumor angiogenesis: recent progress and remaining challenges]
1Unité Inserm 878, iRTSV-LAPV, CEA-Grenoble, Grenoble Cedex 09, France. jean-jacques.feige@cea.fr
Abstract:
Anti-angiogenic therapies of solid cancers aim at specifically destroying the tumor vasculature in order to "asphyxiate" the tumors. Since few years, they represent a novel therapeutic tool, which allowed to significantly improve the survival of patients suffering from colon, breast, kidney and lung cancers. However, these therapies are limited in their efficacy by the appearance of tumor resistance phenomena. In this review, I describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis with a special focus on the important roles played by hypoxia, the endothelial growth factor VEGF and the endothelial tip-cells located at the extremity of sprouting neo-vessels. I present the factors that respectively control the activation phase and the maturation phase of angiogenesis, as well as their mechanisms of action. In a second part, the efficacy and the limits of anti-angiogenic therapies presently available on the market are described, and the recent elucidation of some molecular mechanisms of tumor resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies is reviewed.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic therapies target tumor blood vessels to treat cancers like colon and lung cancer. However, understanding tumor resistance mechanisms is crucial for improving treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Context:
- Anti-angiogenic therapies are a novel treatment for solid tumors, improving survival in various cancers.
- Tumor resistance significantly limits the efficacy of these therapies.
Purpose:
- To review the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis.
- To describe the factors controlling angiogenesis activation and maturation.
- To discuss the efficacy, limits, and resistance mechanisms of current anti-angiogenic therapies.
Summary:
- This review details tumor angiogenesis, focusing on hypoxia, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endothelial tip cells.
- It explains the mechanisms of angiogenesis activation and maturation.
- The review also covers the effectiveness and limitations of existing anti-angiogenic drugs and explores emerging resistance mechanisms.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of tumor angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy resistance.
- Highlights the need for further research into overcoming therapeutic limitations.
- Informs the development of more effective cancer treatment strategies.
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