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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Regulating angiogenesis: a new therapeutic strategy
1School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis is the proliferation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells to form new blood vessels. Largely muted after adolescence, angiogenesis may be reignited by cancerous cells. Neoangiogenesis plays a primary role in tumor growth and metastases. Antiangiogenic therapy to limit and even reverse the growth of tumors are under investigation and showing promise. A derivative of fumagillin, TNP 470, is the first angiogenesis inhibitor to be given to humans. Surprisingly, several potent inhibitors are derived from tumors themselves. Researchers nowc recognize that stimulation of angiogenesis may have a place in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Reestablishing blood flow to ischemic tissue through angiogenesis may provide a biologic "bypass" for patients with ischemic heart disease. The same applies to the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.
Insights
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for tumor growth but can be targeted by antiangiogenic therapies. Researchers are also exploring therapeutic angiogenesis to treat cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular science
Background:
- Angiogenesis, or new blood vessel formation, is typically dormant after adolescence.
- Cancerous cells can reactivate angiogenesis, fueling tumor growth and metastasis.
- Therapeutic angiogenesis is emerging as a potential treatment for ischemic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of angiogenesis in cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- To highlight the development of antiangiogenic therapies for cancer.
- To explore the potential of therapeutic angiogenesis for treating ischemic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on angiogenesis inhibitors and stimulators.
- Analysis of clinical investigations into antiangiogenic drugs like TNP 470.
- Examination of studies on reestablishing blood flow in ischemic tissues.
Main Results:
- Antiangiogenic therapies show promise in limiting tumor growth and metastasis.
- TNP 470, a fumagillin derivative, is the first angiogenesis inhibitor tested in humans.
- Tumor-derived compounds are potent angiogenesis inhibitors.
- Stimulating angiogenesis may offer a biologic bypass for ischemic heart and peripheral vascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis is a critical target for both cancer therapy and cardiovascular treatment.
- Further research into angiogenesis modulation holds significant therapeutic potential.
- Targeting angiogenesis offers a novel approach to managing complex diseases.
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