Tumor Vascularization

Tumor Vascularization discusses the different types of growth of tumor blood vessels and their implications on research and healthcare. The book is divided into three parts: the first one, General Mechanisms, discusses different vessel growth mechanisms, such as sprouting angiogenesis, non-angiogenesis dependent growth, intussusceptive microvascular growth, vascular co-option and vasculogenic mimicry. The second and third parts, entitled Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Implications are dedicated to translating recent findings in this field to patient treatment and healthcare. This book is a valuable source for cancer researchers, oncologists, graduate students and members of the biomedical field who are interested in tumor progression and blood vessels. Explains new, non-orthodox concepts recently developed and related to the modality of growth of tumor blood vessels Provides information on the types of angiogenesis, non-angiogenesis dependent growth and vascular co-option, discussing both their similarities and differences Encompasses a discussion on clinical implications of tumor vascularization to translate research findings into treatment

Tumor Vascularization discusses the different types of growth of tumor blood vessels and their implications on research and healthcare. The book is divided into three parts: the first one, General Mechanisms, discusses different vessel growth mechanisms, such as sprouting angiogenesis, non-angiogenesis dependent growth, intussusceptive microvascular growth, vascular co-option and vasculogenic mimicry. The second and third parts, entitled Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Implications are dedicated to translating recent findings in this field to patient treatment and healthcare. This book is a valuable source for cancer researchers, oncologists, graduate students and members of the biomedical field who are interested in tumor progression and blood vessels. Explains new, non-orthodox concepts recently developed and related to the modality of growth of tumor blood vessels Provides information on the types of angiogenesis, non-angiogenesis dependent growth and vascular co-option, discussing both their similarities and differences Encompasses a discussion on clinical implications of tumor vascularization to translate research findings into treatment

Recent studies have shown that cells from adipose tissue are capable of trafficking to tumors, thus enabling paracrine action of adipokines from within the tumor microenvironment. Increased tumor vascularization, immune system suppression and direct effects on malignant cell survival and proliferation have been investigated as mechanisms regulated by adipokines. The goal of this book is to discuss data pointing to the role of adipose tissue in cancer and to dissect individual mechanisms through which adipose tissue excess or restriction could influence cancer progression.

Tumors must manipulate the host vasculature to provide a blood supply adequate for their proliferation. Although tumors may arise as avascular masses. there is increasing evidence that some tumors begin to proliferate by coopting the host vasculature. By analyzing cell proliferation kinetics of endothelial cells (EC) and PC3 prostate cancer cells, we provide evidence that EC proliferation could not account for rapid tumor growth. Although PC3mm2 expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) failed to grow in the ears, in an orthotopic GFP - expressing melanoma model we demonstrated that the tumor vasculature was generated from a preexisting red cell-deficient vascular network that continuously remodeled to accommodate the requirements of the expanding tumor mass. Topical application of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to vascular beds generated immediate and robust vascular transitions that were morphologically similar to tumor-induced vascular transitions. N(phi)-nitro-L-arginine, a nitric oxide inhibitor that prevented VEGF-mediated vascular remodeling and vasodilatation, significantly inhibited prostate tumor growth without reducing EC proliferation. These findings suggest that prostate tumor-induced remodeling of red cell-deficient vessels, and not angiogenic sprouting, contributes to tumor vascularization and concomitant proliferation.

In Vivo Models to Study Angiogenesis provides the latest information and an overview of the most common assays for studying angiogenesis in vivo. Under physiological conditions, angiogenesis is tightly controlled, whereas increased production of angiogenic stimuli and/or reduced production of angiogenic inhibitors leads to abnormal neovascularization, such as occurs in cancer, chronic inflammatory disease, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and cardiovascular disorders. Several genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the early development of the vascular system. This book presents the latest information from the extensive literature and research available. Evidence is now emerging that blood vessels themselves have the ability to provide instructive regulatory signals to surrounding non-vascular target cells during organ development. Thus, endothelial cell signaling is currently believed to promote fundamental cues for cell fate specification, embryo patterning, organ differentiation and postnatal tissue remodeling. Provides information on the most common assays to study angiogenesis in vivo Presents an ideal reference for those interested in angiogenesis as a normal and vital process in growth and development Covers wound healing, the formation of granulation tissue, and the transition of tumors from benign to malignant

Tumor Microenvironment Regulation of Tumor Expansion is a practical guide to understand and perform research on tumor microenvironments, and to support related clinical decisions. Tumor progression is linked to an imbalance between positive and negative regulators, and mainly depends on the release of specific growth factors by inflammatory or neoplastic cells. Inflammatory infiltrate contributes to tumor progression and the metastatic process, and there are many reports of associations between tumor inflammatory infiltrate, progression, and prognosis. Understanding different contexts of organs is a key factor in improving treatment outcome, especially in new therapeutic treatments targeting components of the tumor microenvironment. This book is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, clinicians, graduate students, and scientists in many biomedical fields who are interested in the complex relationship between the tumor microenvironment and its context in specific organs. Provides a holistic approach to understanding the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression Encompasses the basic knowledge necessary to understand and undertake further studies related to tumor microenvironments Discusses new therapeutic approaches developed to control tumor progression by targeting different components of the tumor microenvironment

The Ninth Annual Pezcoller Symposium entitled "The Biology of Tumors" was held in Rovereto, Italy, June 4-7, 1997. It focused on the genetic mechanisms underlying het erogeneity of tumor cell populations and tumor cell differentiation, on interactions be tween tumor cells and cells of host defenses, and the mechanisms of angiogenesis. With presentations at the cutting edge of progress and stimulating discussions, this symposium addressed issues related to phenomena concerned with cell regulation and cell interactions as determined by activated genes through the appropriate and timely media tion of gene products. Important methodologies that would allow scientists to measure dif ferentially genes and gene products and thus validate many of the mechanisms of control currently proposed were considered, as were the molecular basis of tumor recognition by the immune system, interactions between cells and molecular mechanisms of cell regula tion as they are affected by or implemented through these interactions. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumor vascularization were also discussed. It was recognized that angiogenesis provides a potential site of therapeutic intervention and this makes it even more important to understand the mechanisms underlying it. We wish to thank the participants in the symposium for their substantial contribu tions and their participation in the spirited discussions that followed. We would also like to thank Drs.

The series of volumes entitled Biological Responses in Cancer provides information on approaches through which the interaction between neoplas tic and normal cells may be modified. Topics discussed in various volumes include immunological and host defense systems, control mechanisms of cell and population growth, cell differentiation, and cell transformation. This volume is specifically concerned with various aspects of cell interactions and regulation within heterogeneous tumor cell populations, and their role in tumor progression and metastasis. Knowledge in this area is likely to provide new leads toward the exploitation of novel cellular sites and mech anisms in the development of new types of therapies of cancer. Several topics are discussed within these general areas of consideration. The possibly unique characteristics and mechanisms of tumor vascularization and the potential sites of interference with angiogenesis that might have therapeutic impli cations are critically evaluated. Tumor cell-normal tissue interactions in volved in different phases of the growth and metastatic processes are dis cussed in two chapters dealing with mechanisms of tumor invasion and with the role of collagen in mammary tumor growth; here again potential leads are identified that may be exploited toward the development of new thera peutic approaches. The evolution of phenotypic diversity as a phenomenon complicating the biology of tumor metastasis and consequently affecting the opportunities offered by chemotherapy is also critically considered.

The purpose of this book is to highlight novel advances in the field and to incentivize scientists from a variety of fields to pursue angiogenesis as a research avenue. Blood vessel formation and maturation to capillaries, arteries, or veins is a fascinating area which can appeal to multiple scientists, students, and professors alike. Angiogenesis is relevant to medicine, engineering, pharmacology, and pathology and to the many patients suffering from blood vessel diseases and cancer, among others. We are hoping that this book will become a source of inspiration and novel ideas for all.