ANGIOGENESIS AND ANTIANGIOGENIC THERAPY

Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new capillaries from preexisting blood vessels. Angiogenesis is tightly regulated in the adult organism. It is only induced during the female reproductive cycle, tissue repair and wound healing. it plays an important role in the progression of solid tomors. Recently a similar relationship has been described in several hematologic malignancies. Angiogenesis is a crucial process in tumour pathogenesis as it sustains malignant cells with nutrients and oxygen. It is well known that tumour cells secrete various growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which triggers endothelial cells to form new capillaries. Preventing the expansion of new blood vessel networks results in reduced tumour size and metastases. This review aims to describe angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapy.