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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
Dual Bioluminescence Imaging of Tumor Progression and Angiogenesis
Published on: August 1, 2019
Glucocorticoid-mediated effects on angiogenesis in solid tumors
Broes Martens1, Zuzanna Drebert1
1Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology & Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis is essential in tumor development to maintain the oxygen and nutrient supply. Glucocorticoids have shown both direct and indirect angiostatic properties in various types of solid cancers. In most of the reported cases glucocorticoid-mediated actions involved suppression of multiple pro-angiogenic factors expression by cancer cells. The anti-angiogenic properties of glucocorticoids correlated with diminished tumor vasculature and reduced tumor growth in multiple in vivo studies. However, when glucocorticoid treatment is considered, possible adverse events should be taken into account. Additional research is needed to further test the use of these steroidal drugs in cancer therapy.
Insights
Glucocorticoids can inhibit tumor growth by suppressing blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). Further research is needed to evaluate their use in cancer therapy, considering potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth, supplying oxygen and nutrients.
- Glucocorticoids exhibit anti-angiogenic effects in various solid cancers.
- Glucocorticoid action often involves suppressing pro-angiogenic factors in cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-angiogenic properties of glucocorticoids in cancer.
- To assess the impact of glucocorticoids on tumor vasculature and growth.
- To consider the clinical implications and future research directions for glucocorticoids in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on glucocorticoids and angiogenesis in cancer.
- Analysis of in vivo studies demonstrating effects on tumor vasculature and growth.
- Evaluation of glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of pro-angiogenic factors.
Main Results:
- Glucocorticoids demonstrate both direct and indirect angiostatic properties.
- Suppression of pro-angiogenic factors is a key mechanism of action.
- In vivo studies show diminished tumor vasculature and reduced tumor growth with glucocorticoid treatment.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoids possess significant anti-angiogenic potential in cancer.
- Further investigation is required to balance efficacy with adverse events for clinical application.
- Glucocorticoids warrant continued research for their role in cancer treatment strategies.
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