Tumor angiogenesis - a new therapeutic target in gliomas

• Published in: Acta neurologica Scandinavica Vol. 97; no. 1; pp. 52 - 62
• Main Authors: Lund, E. L., Spang-Thomsen, M., Skovgaard-Poulsen, H., Kristjansen, P. E. G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.1998; Blackwell
• Subjects: anti-angiogenic therapy; Antineoplastic agents; Biological and medical sciences; Brain Neoplasms - blood supply; Brain Neoplasms - therapy; brain tumors; Chemotherapy; CNS; glioblastoma multiforme; Glioma - blood supply; Glioma - therapy; Humans; Medical sciences; Neovascularization, Pathologic - therapy; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Antineoplastic agent; Human; Nervous system diseases; Malignant tumor; Review; Glioblastoma multiforme; Inductor; Malignant glioma; Angiogenesis; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Central nervous system disease; Inhibitor; Mechanism of action
• ISSN: 0001-6314; 1600-0404
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1998.tb00609.x

Tumor growth is critically dependent on angiogenesis, which is sprouting of new vessels from pre‐existing vasculature. This process is regulated by inducers and inhibitors released from tumor cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Brain tumors, especially glioblastoma multiforme, have significant angiogenic activity primarily by the expression of the angiogenic factor VEGE Anti‐angiogenic therapy represents a new promising therapeutic modality in solid tumors. Several agents are currently under evaluation in clinical trials. The present review describes the principal inducers and inhibitors of angiogenesis in tumors and summarizes what is known about their mechanisms of action in relation to CNS tumors. Potential areas for clinical use are also discussed.