TUMOR ANGIOGENESIS - A NEW THERAPEUTIC TARGET IN GLIOMAS

Tumor growth is critically dependent on angiogenesis, which is sprouti ng of new vessels from pre-existing vasculature. This process is regul ated by inducers and inhibitors released from tumor cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Brain tumors, especially glioblastoma multifo rme, have significant angiogenic activity primarily by the expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF. Anti-angiogenic therapy represents a ne w promising therapeutic modality in solid tumors. Several agents are c urrently under evaluation in clinical trials. The present review descr ibes the principal inducers and inhibitors of angiogenesis in tumors a nd summarizes what is known about their mechanisms of action in relati on to CNS tumors. Potential areas for clinical use are also discussed.