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Angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Angiogenesis denotes the sprouting of endothelial cells to form new blood vessels. Endothelial cells in existing blood capillaries are stimulated to divide and sprout by signalling molecules released from the surrounding tissue. Angiogenesis is especially important in wound healing and in inflammatory processes.
Angiogenesis is stimulated by eg inflammatory cytokines and low pH in tissue. A low pH arise as a result of oxygen deficiency, which in turn is due to an insufficient blood supply |
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Blood capillaries stained for CD 31 (red) and von Willebrand Factor (green). |
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This is seen when tumours grow and it has been shown that cells in tumours release signal substances stimulating angiogenesis.
In this way, a tumour can itself stimulate the formation of blood vessels necessary for its continued growth.
Angiogenesis inhibitors halt the growth of tumours by inhibiting their supply of blood vessels. Such inhibitors will be a valuable supplement to conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
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| Statens Serum Institut has developed a method for identifying angiogenesis inhibitors in blood and several active compounds have been found in plasma. |
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