[Angiogenesis and cancer]

Abstract

Tumor invasion and dissemination is tightly controlled by angiogenesis. In recent years, a number of angiogenic factors and inhibitors have been identified. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to this phenomenon are still incompletely understood. In this review, we focus on recent developments in the angiogenesis field. We will summarize our present knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and about the factors that control this phenomenon. We will then shortly discuss the pharmacological modulation and the therapeutic and clinical implications for cancer biology.