Brain tumors and angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis, which is the development of new vessels arising from the pree stablished arborisation, plays a fundamental role in tumor growth. Angiogen esis is the combination of antagonistic factors: proangiogenesis and antian giogenesis factors. On the basis of the concept of relationship between ang iogenesis and tumor growth, a promising new way of research is developing w ith the aim to control angiogenesis with an antitumor goal. The results of the preclinical trials point out the potential of antiangiogenesis agents i n the fight against cancer. So, it was showed that tumor growth in animal m odels of syngenic or human tumors is inhibited by inhibitors of proangiogen ic factors (like VEGF or FGF antibody...) OF. by antiangiogenic factors. En dostatin, which is a natural inhibitor of angiogenesis, seems to be the mos t powerful molecule, able to achieve total and final regression of preestab lished tumors. However, there are only preliminary data. Clinical trials ar e on the way. They should bring some answers concerning the place of these antiangiogenesis agents in the traditional therapeutic strategy. In neuroon cology, just like in general cancerology, clinical trials have began with d ifferents molecules like Marismastat(R) or Thalidomid(R) A review of the pr incipal actors, preclinical and clinical trials in progress is presented.