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Updated: May 16, 2026

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
09:03

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells

Published on: November 23, 2014

Class 3 semaphorins: physiological vascular normalizing agents for anti-cancer therapy

G Serini1, F Bussolino, F Maione

  • 1Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo (IRCC), University of Torino, Turin, Italy.

Journal of Internal Medicine
|December 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Vascular normalization using secreted class 3 semaphorins (Sema3) shows promise in improving anti-angiogenic cancer therapies and overcoming resistance. Sema3 restores vascular function, inhibiting cancer metastasis and impacting the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Anti-angiogenic therapies are crucial in cancer treatment but face challenges with efficacy and acquired resistance.
  • Vascular normalization is emerging as a strategy to enhance anti-cancer therapy outcomes.
  • Tumor vessel normalization aims to improve blood flow and reduce tumor growth and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the biological functions and mechanisms of secreted class 3 semaphorins (Sema3) in tumor vascular normalization.
  • To explore how Sema3 acts as a vascular normalizing agent.
  • To analyze the impact of Sema3 on the tumor microenvironment and metastatic dissemination.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical studies on vascular normalization and anti-angiogenic therapies.
  • Analysis of the role of secreted class 3 semaphorins (Sema3) in angiogenesis and vascular function.
  • Examination of the cellular components within the tumor microenvironment affected by Sema3.

Main Results:

  • Secreted class 3 semaphorins (Sema3) are identified as novel vascular normalizing agents.
  • Sema3 inhibits metastatic dissemination by restoring vascular function.
  • Sema3 influences various cellular components of the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Vascular normalization, particularly through Sema3, offers a new strategy to enhance anti-angiogenic therapies.
  • Sema3's ability to restore vascular function and inhibit metastasis is key to its therapeutic potential.
  • Understanding Sema3's mechanisms is vital for developing more effective cancer treatments.

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