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Updated: Jul 6, 2025
Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1
Published on: December 5, 2020
Cancer stem cells and angiogenesis
Yanru Yang1, Jingyu Guo2, Mingyang Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Abstract:
Cancer remains the primary cause of mortality in developed nations. Although localized tumors can be effectively addressed through surgery, radiotherapy, and other targeted methods, drug efficacy often wanes in the context of metastatic diseases. As a result, significant efforts are being made to develop drugs capable of not only inhibiting tumor growth but also impeding the metastasis of malignant tumors, with a focus on hindering their migration to adjacent organs. Cancer stem cells metastasize via blood and lymphatic vessels, exhibiting a high mutation rate, significant variability, and a predisposition to drug resistance. In contrast, endothelial cells, being less prone to mutation, are less likely to give rise to drug-resistant clones. Furthermore, the direct contact of circulating anti-angiogenic drugs with vascular endothelial cells expedites their therapeutic impact. Hence, anti-angiogenesis targeted therapy assumes a pivotal role in cancer treatment. This paper provides a succinct overview of the molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between cancer stem cells and angiogenesis.
Insights
Targeting cancer stem cells and angiogenesis is crucial for effective cancer treatment. Anti-angiogenesis therapy offers a promising approach to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancer is a leading cause of death, with metastasis posing a significant challenge to treatment efficacy.
- Metastatic cancer, driven by cancer stem cells, exhibits high mutation rates and drug resistance.
- Current treatments struggle with widespread metastatic disease, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of molecular mechanisms linking cancer stem cells and angiogenesis.
- To highlight the role of anti-angiogenesis therapy in combating metastatic cancer.
- To explore the potential of targeting endothelial cells for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of cancer stem cell behavior and metastasis.
- Evaluation of anti-angiogenesis drug interactions with endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Cancer stem cells utilize blood and lymphatic vessels for metastasis, displaying drug resistance.
- Endothelial cells are less prone to mutations, making them a more stable target.
- Direct drug interaction with endothelial cells enhances therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenesis therapy is pivotal in cancer treatment, particularly for metastatic disease.
- Targeting the interaction between cancer stem cells and angiogenesis offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into these molecular mechanisms can lead to improved cancer therapies.
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