Imaging tumor angiogenesis
Kristy Red-Horse, Napoleone Ferrara
Kristy Red-Horse, Napoleone Ferrara
Published October 2, 2006
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2006;116(10):2585-2587. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI30058.
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Commentary

Imaging tumor angiogenesis

Abstract

Since the discovery of vascular-specific growth factors with angiogenic activity, there has been a significant effort to develop cancer drugs that restrict tumorigenesis by targeting the blood supply. In this issue of the JCI, Mancuso et al. use mouse models to better understand the plasticity of the tumor vasculature in the face of antiangiogenic therapy (see the related article beginning on page 2610). They describe a rapid regrowth of the tumor vasculature following withdrawal of VEGFR inhibitors, emphasizing the importance of fully understanding the function of these and similar treatments used in the clinic at the cellular and molecular level.

Authors

Kristy Red-Horse, Napoleone Ferrara

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Figure 1

The effects of VEGF inhibition on the tumor vasculature are reversible.

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The effects of VEGF inhibition on the tumor vasculature are reversible. ...
(A) Tumor growth stimulates angiogenesis, producing an abnormal vascular bed with disorganized branching and increased permeability. In many cases, this is due to increased VEGF production. (B) Antiangiogenic therapy that inhibits VEGF activity decreases tumor vascularity. Vascular regression often leaves behind a pericyte layer and empty basement membrane sleeves that can persist for up to 21 days. The pericytes were, however, observed to have reduced immunoreactivity to α–smooth muscle actin. (C) Cessation of anti-VEGF therapy following a 7-day treatment regimen results in rapid vascular regrowth. Vessel density returns to pretreatment levels within 7 days.