Angiogenesis - why is new blood vessel formation important for cancer and its treatments?
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The 10 hallmarks of cancer include the ability to form blood vessels. Cancer cells multiply much faster than normal cells and need substantial energy and waste removal. Vessels are also necessary for spread to other tissues and organs. Cancer cells forming new extensions from existing vessels is called angiogenesis or angiogenesis .
How does cancer form vessels for itself?
The tumor microenvironment develops conditions supporting uncontrolled growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and drug resistance. Rapid cancer metabolism increases carbon dioxide. Consequently, hypoxia (low oxygen) and inflammatory factors increase. In hypoxia, cancer cells secrete angiogenic factors promoting vessel formation. These activate enzymes breaking down proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM) between tumor and vessel. The presence of cancer cell oncogenes also supports vessel formation.
Endothelial cells in vessels begin migrating toward the tumor, and vessel extensions become apparent.
Endothelial cells complete extensions toward the tumor. Tumor vessel formation requires imbalance between proangiogenic (vessel-promoting) and antiangiogenic (vessel-inhibiting) factors.
Why is angiogenesis so important for cancer treatment?
Tumor-formed vessels differ from normal ones, with disorganized vessel cells and leakage in certain areas. These cells and vessels can therefore be targeted.
Laboratory studies show promise for antiangiogenic treatments preventing new vessel formation. Clinical trials continue.
Cancer cells develop chemotherapy resistance because of genomic instability. However, endothelial cells forming vessels show little genetic change. Drugs targeting endothelial cells may be effective.
Antiangiogenic drugs can be combined with other chemotherapies. The different vessel structure allows effective delivery of cancer drugs.
Antiangiogenic treatments are thought potentially effective in long-term tumor control.
RELATED TOPIC
WHAT IS CANCER? Why and how does it develop? The entire process in brief!
Sources
2) Abdollahi A, Folkman J., Evading tumor evasion: current concepts and perspectives of anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. Drug Resist Updat. 2010 Feb-Apr;13(1-2):16-28.
3) Bhat TA, Singh RP.Tumor angiogenesis--a potential target in cancer chemoprevention. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Apr;46(4):1334-45. Epub 2007 Aug 29.
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