The diagnostic and prognostic value of tumor angiogenesis

The "angiogenic switch" and tumor angiogenesis play a critical role in the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. Tumor angiogenesis is regulated by a balance of stimulators (e.g., VEGF, bFGF) and inhibitors of angiogenesis ( e.g., angiostatin, endostatin, angiostatic steroids). Measuring angiogenesi s (blood vessel density) and/or its main regulators such as VEGF and bFGF i n solid tumors, or the levels of these growth factors in the serum or urine provides new and sensitive markers for tumor progression, metastasis and p rognosis.