Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025
A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells
Published on: September 7, 2011
Vascular mimicry: A potential therapeutic target in breast cancer
Hadi Chavoshi1, Neda Poormolaie2, Vahid Vahedian3
1Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
Treating breast cancer, especially in the invasive state, is one of the challenges in treating cancer. Invasion and metastasis are factors in the failure of breast cancer treatments. One of the causes of this failure is the formation of new blood vessels to nourish the tumor cells. Although many drugs target the formation of blood vessels, the therapeutic results, especially in breast cancer, have not been very successful and even recurrence of the disease has been observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that other mechanisms are involved in feeding and delivering oxygen to tumor cells, the most important of which is the vascular mimicry (VM). The ability of cancer cells to organize themselves into vascular-like structures for the obtain of nutrients and oxygen independently of normal blood vessels or angiogenesis named Vasculogenic mimicry. In this review article, we tried to review the formation VM and the therapeutic potential of targeting VM formation in the treatment of breast cancer.
Insights
Vascular mimicry (VM) is a key factor in breast cancer treatment failure, independent of angiogenesis. Targeting VM offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome treatment resistance and prevent disease recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Invasive breast cancer treatment faces challenges due to invasion and metastasis.
- Tumor angiogenesis, while targeted, often leads to treatment failure and recurrence.
- Alternative mechanisms like vascular mimicry (VM) are critical for tumor survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the formation of vascular mimicry (VM) in breast cancer.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting VM in breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on vascular mimicry formation in breast cancer.
- Analysis of existing therapeutic strategies targeting angiogenesis.
- Evaluation of the role of VM in treatment resistance and recurrence.
Main Results:
- Vascular mimicry involves cancer cells forming tumor vasculature independently of angiogenesis.
- VM contributes significantly to nutrient and oxygen supply for tumor cells.
- Targeting angiogenesis alone is insufficient, highlighting the importance of VM.
Conclusions:
- Vascular mimicry is a critical mechanism in breast cancer progression and treatment failure.
- Targeting VM presents a novel therapeutic avenue for invasive breast cancer.
- Further research into VM inhibition could improve treatment outcomes and reduce recurrence.
More Related Videos
08:30Mammary Epithelial and Endothelial Cell Spheroids as a Potential Functional In vitro Model for Breast Cancer Research
Published on: July 12, 2021
07:13Initiation of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma by Targeting of the Ductal Epithelium with Adenovirus-Cre: A Novel Transgenic Mouse Model of Breast Cancer
Published on: March 26, 2014
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle