Milestones in tumor vascularization and its therapeutic targeting

Michele De Palma1,2,3, Douglas Hanahan4,5,6,7

  • 1Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. michele.depalma@epfl.ch.

Nature Cancer
|June 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Tumor vascularization research, focusing on angiogenesis, has revealed critical insights for cancer growth and therapeutic targeting. This review highlights key milestones and future directions in targeting tumor blood vessels.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Solid tumor vascularization research began over 50 years ago.
  • Angiogenesis was identified as crucial for tumor growth and a therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a perspective on tumor vascularization and its therapeutic targeting.
  • To highlight eight conceptual milestones in the field.
  • To integrate initial discoveries with recent progress and pose future questions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and recent research on tumor vascularization.
  • Identification and discussion of eight conceptual milestones.
  • Analysis of therapeutic targeting strategies.

Main Results:

  • Significant advancements in understanding tumor angiogenesis.
  • Development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature.
  • Identification of unforeseen concepts in tumor vascularization.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor vascularization is a complex and evolving field.
  • Targeting angiogenesis remains a promising therapeutic approach.
  • Future research should address open questions and explore new concepts.

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