Vascular normalization as a therapeutic strategy for malignant and nonmalignant disease

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology and Medicine
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pathological angiogenesis, driven by disrupted signaling, leads to immature and abnormal vasculature in diseases.
• This aberrant microvasculature promotes disease progression and hinders treatment efficacy.
• Understanding this imbalance is crucial for developing effective therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and support the "vascular normalization" hypothesis.
• To demonstrate how restoring angiogenic balance can normalize pathological vasculature.
• To review evidence for antiangiogenic therapy in treating diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies on antiangiogenic therapy.
• Analysis of clinical trial data for solid tumors and benign conditions.
• Examination of molecular and structural changes in diseased vasculature.

Main Results:

• Preclinical and clinical evidence supports the vascular normalization hypothesis.
• Antiangiogenic therapy can restore a more normal vascular structure and function.
• This normalization contributes to successful treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The vascular normalization hypothesis provides a framework for understanding antiangiogenic therapy.
• Targeting angiogenic signaling can normalize pathological vasculature in various diseases.
• This approach has shown promise in treating both malignant and benign conditions.