Tumor angiogenesis: molecular pathways and therapeutic targets

Nat Med. 2011 Nov 7;17(11):1359-70. doi: 10.1038/nm.2537.

Abstract

As angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis, controlling tumor-associated angiogenesis is a promising tactic in limiting cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment comprises numerous signaling molecules and pathways that influence the angiogenic response. Understanding how these components functionally interact as angiogenic stimuli or as repressors and how mechanisms of resistance arise is required for the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Achieving a durable and efficient antiangiogenic response will require approaches to simultaneously or sequentially target multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Tumor Microenvironment / physiology

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Integrins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • MicroRNAs