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Updated: May 22, 2026
Preparation Of Neovascular Tissues from Human Glioma Tissues for Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Tumor Angiogenesis
Published on: March 20, 2026
Angiogenesis in neuroendocrine tumors: therapeutic applications
1Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France. jean-yves.scoazec@chu-lyon.fr
Abstract:
The considerable research efforts devoted to the understanding of the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis have resulted in the development of targeted anti-angiogenic therapies and finally in their introduction in clinical practice. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which are characterized by a high vascular supply and a strong expression of VEGF-A, one of the most potent pro-angiogenic factors, are an attractive indication for these new treatments. However, several lines of evidence show that the dense vascular networks associated with low-grade NETs are more likely to be a marker of differentiation than a marker of aggressiveness, as in other epithelial tumors. These observations form the basis for the so-called 'neuroendocrine paradox', according to which the most vascularized are the most differentiated and the less angiogenic NETs. This must be kept in mind when discussing the role of anti-angiogenic strategies in the treatment of NETs. Nevertheless, several targeted therapies, with direct or indirect anti-angiogenic properties, including anti-VEGF antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib) and mTOR inhibitors (everolimus), have recently proven to be of clinical benefit. In addition, some drugs already used in NET treatment, such as somatostatin analogues and interferon-α, may also have anti-angiogenic properties. The main challenges for the next future are to validate biomarkers for the selection of patients and the prediction of their response to refine the indications of anti-angiogenic targeted therapies and to overcome the mechanisms of resistance, which explain the limited duration of action of most of these treatments.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic therapies show clinical benefit for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), despite the
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) exhibit high vascularity and VEGF-A expression, making them potential candidates for anti-angiogenic therapies.
- The 'neuroendocrine paradox' suggests high vascularization in NETs may indicate differentiation rather than aggressiveness.
- Understanding tumor angiogenesis is crucial for developing effective NET treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies in neuroendocrine tumor treatment.
- To discuss the implications of the 'neuroendocrine paradox' on therapeutic strategies.
- To identify future challenges in optimizing anti-angiogenic treatments for NETs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on tumor angiogenesis and NETs.
- Analysis of clinical data for targeted anti-angiogenic therapies (e.g., anti-VEGF antibodies, sunitinib, everolimus).
- Consideration of potential anti-angiogenic properties of existing NET drugs (somatostatin analogues, interferon-α).
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies like anti-VEGF antibodies, sunitinib, and everolimus have demonstrated clinical benefit in NETs.
- Existing NET treatments like somatostatin analogues and interferon-α may possess anti-angiogenic effects.
- The 'neuroendocrine paradox' necessitates careful consideration when applying anti-angiogenic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenic therapies offer a promising avenue for NET treatment, with several agents showing clinical efficacy.
- Further research is needed to validate biomarkers for patient selection and response prediction.
- Overcoming resistance mechanisms is essential to prolong the duration of action for these therapies.
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