Vessel cooption, regression, and growth in tumors mediated by angiopoietins and VEGF

J Holash, PC Maisonpierre, D Compton, P Boland… - Science, 1999 - science.org
J Holash, PC Maisonpierre, D Compton, P Boland, CR Alexander, D Zagzag…
Science, 1999science.org
In contrast with the prevailing view that most tumors and metastases begin as avascular
masses, evidence is presented here that a subset of tumors instead initially grows by
coopting existing host vessels. This coopted host vasculature does not immediately undergo
angiogenesis to support the tumor but instead regresses, leading to a secondarily avascular
tumor and massive tumor cell loss. Ultimately, however, the remaining tumor is rescued by
robust angiogenesis at the tumor margin. The expression patterns of the angiogenic …
In contrast with the prevailing view that most tumors and metastases begin as avascular masses, evidence is presented here that a subset of tumors instead initially grows by coopting existing host vessels. This coopted host vasculature does not immediately undergo angiogenesis to support the tumor but instead regresses, leading to a secondarily avascular tumor and massive tumor cell loss. Ultimately, however, the remaining tumor is rescued by robust angiogenesis at the tumor margin. The expression patterns of the angiogenic antagonist angiopoietin-2 and of pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) suggest that these proteins may be critical regulators of this balance between vascular regression and growth.
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