VEGF and the quest for tumour angiogenesis factors

Nat Rev Cancer. 2002 Oct;2(10):795-803. doi: 10.1038/nrc909.

Abstract

The ability of tumours to induce new blood-vessel formation has been a major focus of cancer research over the past few decades, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is now known to be central to this process. The quest for VEGF and other factors that promote tumour angiogenesis was initiated many decades ago, and a long and complicated path has led to the development of inhibitors of these molecules as anticancer agents. How did this field begin, and how have we arrived at our present understanding of the role of VEGF in tumour progression.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • DNA, Complementary / metabolism
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Eye / blood supply
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology*
  • Lymphokines / metabolism
  • Lymphokines / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Rabbits
  • Time Factors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lymphokines
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors