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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Perspectives on lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in cancer
Tanja Holopainen1, Maija Bry, Kari Alitalo
1Molecular/Cancer Biology Laboratory, Research Program Unit, Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Tumor-associated neovascularization allows tumor cells to express their critical growth advantage, whereas lymphatic invasion is crucial for the metastatic process. Various growth factors stimulate blood and lymphatic neovascularization and modulate vessel permeability in tumors. The first anti-angiogenic drugs are already in routine use, and new anti-vascular therapeutics are evaluated in clinical trials. Conversely, pro-lymphangiogenic therapy could be implemented to treat cancer survivors suffering from secondary lymphedema.
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