Angiogenesis in cancer

SummaryEtiological concepts on cancer development, malignant growth and tumour propagation have undergone a revolutionary development during recent years: Among other aspects, the discovery of angiogenesis – the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature – as a key element in the pathogenesis of malignancy has opened an abundance of biologic insights and subsequent therapeutic options, which have led to improved prognosis in many cancers including those originating from colon, lung, breast and kidney. Thereby, targeting the major pro-angiogenic stimulus vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) be…