Tumour-induced angiogenesis: a novel target for drug therapy?

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Abstract
The ability of a tumour to induce the formation of new blood vessels has a profound effect on tumour growth. The formation of new blood vessels, a process termed angiogenesis, permits rapid expansion of a tumour and increases the risk of metastatic spread. The concept that tumour growth is dependent on the formation of new blood vessels as a source of nutrients and oxygen has stimulated an interest in understanding the basic mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and has formed the basis for a novel therapeutic strategy against cancer. Studies over the past 25 years have begun to elucidate the mechanisms involved in vascular cell proliferation, motility and differentiation leading to the formation of new blood vessels. These studies have unravelled a new array of targets for new drug discovery and therapeutic intervention. A number of molecules that induce angiogenesis and a variety of others that inhibit angiogenesis have been identified. Molecules produced by normal cells that block angiogenesis may be use...

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