Angiogenesis and non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in the western world. Re cent evidence suggests that angiogenesis is related to poor prognosis in ma ny solid tumours including non-small cell lung cancer. Angiogenesis is cont rolled by a complex interaction between growth and apoptotic factors, prote ases and adhesion molecules. The angiogenic process may prove a target for novel therapies such as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, growth factor antisense RNA, growth factor. receptor antagonists and naturally occurring antiangiogenic peptides. These agents may be used alone ol in combination w ith traditional chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.