Certain aspects of brain tumor angiogenesis

Abstract

Neuroepithelial tumors are one of the most common conditions with a high mortality rate. Despite the growing body of knowledge about the underlying biology of these tumors, their treatment has not changed significantly over the past decade. Angiogenesis is a key component of the neoplastic process. Neoangiogenesis activity has a significant effect on tumor development and its metastatic potential. Studying how the growth and progression of gliomas are dependent on the degree of vascularisation has allowed the development of a new way of fighting tumors with antiangiogenesis therapy. Unfortunately, currently, antiangiogenesis therapy cannot cure a patient with glioma. The use of antiangiogenesis drugs to suppress tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis in gliomas is still limited despite being a promising direction. Information about molecular and genetic features of glial brain tumors, proangiogenic signalling pathways, mechanisms of angiogenesis, prognostic factors, etc., is essential to develop a new and effective therapy. A recent literature review revealed quite contradictory data. On the one hand, neoangiogenesis of malignant brain tumors is considered to be an independent prognostic factor for glioma progression. However, some publications deny that angiogenesis in gliomas is a predictor of tumor development. All of the above underline the need for continued study into the relationship between angiogenesis and tumor growth.

Keywords

• brain gliomas
• angiogenesis
• vascular endothelial growth factor
• antiangiogenesis therapy