ISSN:
1573-7373
Keywords:
brain neoplasms
;
neovascularization
;
astrocytoma
;
glioblastoma multiforme
;
meningioma
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Angiogenesis is the outgrowth of new blood vessels from the preexistent vasculature. In 1971, Folkman hypothesized that solid tumors are dependent on angiogenesis for sustained growthand that anti-angiogenic treatment is a potential antineoplastictherapy. Because glioblastoma multiforma (GBM) frequently shows florid microvascular proliferation (MVP), this tumor has beenconsidered since then as a suitable candidate for such treatmentthat attempts to eradicate or control a neoplasm by interfering withits blood supply. Indeed, in animal models the growth of gliomaxenografts can be inhibited by targeting the angiogenic process.However, unlike many glioma xenografts, human infiltrating gliomassuch as GBMs have a diffuse infiltrative growth pattern, and preexistent vessels may suffice to provide many tumor cells with much of their blood supply, particularly in the critical peripheral infiltrative margins. Thus, while attractive in concept,anti-angiogenic therapy of GBM must address the anatomic vascularrealities of this neoplasm. Even if anti-angiogenic therapy ultimately has a role in infiltrative neoplasms, thereare a host of other intracranial neoplasms whose discrete architecture might make them attractive candidates for anti-angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes the angiogenic process in GBM and suggestsother types of tumors for which the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapymight be studied.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005746320099
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