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Angiogenesis
Tumor angiogenesis — the ability to form new blood vessels – represents a critical step in tumor development through which the tumor establishes an independent blood supply, consequently facilitating tumor growth.1,2
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The process of angiogenesis is driven by the tumor's release of pro-angiogenic signals, such as VEGF.
VEGF binds to receptors on the endothelial cells of nearby blood vessels, causing the endothelial cells to proliferate and bud from the existing blood vessels and migrate toward the source of the pro-angiogenic signal. Growth and stabilization of new blood vessels then follow, supported by a variety of signaling factors, including VEGF.2
Angiogenesis is regulated through a balance of pro– and anti-angiogenic factors — including VEGF, a key growth factor that has been extensively investigated at Genentech.2 In 1989, Dr Napoleone Ferrara and Genentech researchers identified and cloned the gene that encodes VEGF, leading to the development of a therapeutic antibody to VEGF.3,4
By inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, we can block one of the fundamental requirements for malignant growth.1,2 With close to two decades of research and development in this area, Genentech BioOncology continues to pioneer the exploration of the angiogenic pathway and its relation to tumor development in order to identify additional therapeutic targets.
Journal Articles
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Hanahan D, Weinberg RA. The hallmarks of cancer. Cell. 2000;100:57-70.
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Bergers G, Benjamin LE. Tumorigenesis and the angiogenic switch. Nat Rev Cancer. 2003;3:401-410.
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Ferrara N, Henzel WJ. Pituitary follicular cells secrete a novel heparin-binding growth factor specific for vascular endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1989;161:851-858.
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Ferrara N. Molecular and biological properties of vascular endothelial growth factor. J Mol Med. 1999;77:527-543.