CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF TUMOR-ASSOCIATED NEOVASCULARIZATION AND CURRENT ANTIANGIOGENIC STRATEGIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF MALIGNANCIES OF PANCREAS

There is now a substantial body of evidence that tumor growth is angio genesis-dependent, and that neovascularization is also necessary for t umor invasion and metastasis. In addition, the assessment of microvess el count or density in a primary tumor may ultimately prove to be a si gnificant and independent prognostic parameter for clinical outcome wi th respect to tumor recurrence, metastasis, and ultimately, overall pa tient survival. As our knowledge of the pathways, steps, and factors i nvolved in the underlying pathogenesis of tumor-associate angiogenesis increases, therapeutic agents and modalities aimed at inhibiting angi ogenesis by blocking one or more of these steps or factors may be devi sed and evaluated for their potential to inhibit cancer growth and spr ead. Ultimately, the inhibition of tumor-associated angiogenesis and a ssociated processes could conceivably form the foundation upon which t he treatment of aggressive malignancies is based. (C) 1996 American Ca ncer Society.