Overview of advances in vasculogenic mimicry – a potential target for tumor therapy

Abstract

Hong Ge,1 Hui Luo1,2 1Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Division of Graduate, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China Abstract: Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes the process utilized by highly aggressive cancer cells to generate vascular-like structures without the presence of endothelial cells. VM has been vividly described in various tumors and participates in cancer progression dissemination and metastasis. Diverse molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways are involved in VM formation. Furthermore, the patterning characteristics of VM, detected with molecular imaging, are being investigated for use as a tool to aid clinical practice. This review explores the most recent studies investigating the role of VM in tumor induction. Indeed, the recognition of these advances will increasingly affect the development of novel therapeutic target strategies for VM in human cancer. Keywords: vasculogenic mimicry, mechanisms, molecular imaging, clinical significance, target therapy

Keywords

• Vasculogenic Mimicry
• Mechanisms
• Molecular Imaging
• Clinical significance
• Target therapy