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Updated: May 17, 2026

A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells
04:00

A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells

Published on: September 7, 2011

Tumor vasculature: the Achilles' heel of cancer?

Tor-Christian Aase Johannessen1, Marek Wagner, Oddbjorn Straume

  • 1University of Bergen, Department of Biomedicine, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|November 6, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anti-angiogenic therapy targets tumor blood vessel formation but faces challenges due to complex signaling pathways. Future strategies require more effective inhibitors and personalized approaches based on individual tumor profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Tumor-associated angiogenesis is a key factor in cancer development and metastasis.
  • Anti-angiogenic agents aim to inhibit new blood vessel formation to slow cancer progression.
  • These agents can improve chemotherapy delivery and reduce cancer cell metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key issues in the clinical application of angiogenesis inhibitors in cancer.
  • To explore molecular mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy.
  • To discuss novel therapeutic strategies in anti-angiogenic therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of complex cell signaling pathways in tumor angiogenesis.
  • Focus on molecular mechanisms inducing resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors.
  • Discussion of emerging therapeutic strategies, including targeting VEGFR-3, endothelial integrins, and HGF-MET signaling.

Main Results:

  • Complex signaling networks and pathway redundancy in endothelial cells pose therapeutic obstacles.
  • Single-pathway targeting can lead to resistance in anti-angiogenic therapy.
  • Novel strategies are emerging to overcome these limitations.

Conclusions:

  • Developing more effective inhibitors is crucial for successful anti-angiogenic therapy.
  • An individualized approach, considering each tumor's endothelial signaling profile, is necessary.
  • Identification of reliable biomarkers is essential to select patients who will benefit from this therapy.

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