The role of angiogenesis in solid tumours: an overview.

Eur J Intern Med · 2009

review · Level V

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Abstract

Angiogenesis is the physiological process of the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. Multiple molecules regulate angiogenesis, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietins, the fibroblast growth factor, the platelet-derived growth factor and the transforming growth factor-beta. Angiogenesis plays an important role in the growth, progression and metastasis of a tumour. Inhibiting the angiogenic process or targeting existing tumour vessels can be used for treatment of tumours as an alternative or in parallel with conventional chemotherapy. Many anti-angiogenic factors are under investigation and some are already being used in clinical practice with various results.