| Theme | Molecular pathology of colorectal cancer for clinicians | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Implications of angiogenesis to tumor progression and therapy for human colon carcinoma | |
| Publish Date | 2001/05 | |
| Author | Yasuhiko Kitadai | Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima University School of Medicine |
| Author | Shinji Tanaka | Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima University School of Medicine |
| Author | Ken Haruma | First Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumor growth and metastasis. The extent of angiogenesis is determined by the balance between factors that stimulate and those that inhibit new blood vessel growth. Many studies have concluded that in creased microvessel density in the areas of most intense neovascularization is a significant and independent prognostic indicator for a variety of tumors, such as colon, breast, lung, prostate carcinomas and melanoma. Carcinomatous cells of the colon and the infiltrating macrophages, express multiple angiogenic molecules, including VEGF, bFGF, PD-ECGF and IL-8. The number of microvessels and the expression of angiogenic factors are heterogeneous and are highest at the invasive edge of tumors, indicating host-tumor interaction may play a role in regulation of angiogenesis. Animal models for cancer metastasis indicated that the organ's microenvironment can directly contribute to the induction and maintenance of the angiogenic factors. Not all angiogenic tumors produce metastasis, but the inhibition of angiogenesis prevents the growth of tumor cells at both the primary and secondary sites and thus can prevent the emergence of metastases. Several angiogenic factors and drugs that down-regulate or inhibit angiogenesis have already been incorporated into clinical trials. | |