Cambridge Journals Online

Review Article

New molecular targets in angiogenic vessels of glioblastoma tumours

Joshua C. Andersona1, Braden C. McFarlanda1a2 and Candece L. Gladsona1a2 c1 a1 Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. a2 Department of Pathology, Division of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Article author query anderson jc   mcfarland bc   gladson cl

Abstract

Antiangiogenesis approaches have the potential to be particularly effective in the treatment of glioblastoma tumours. These tumours exhibit extremely high levels of neovascularisation, which may contribute to their extremely aggressive behaviour, not only by providing oxygenation and nutrition, but also by establishing a leaky vasculature that lacks a blood–brain barrier. This leaky vasculature enables migration of tumour cells, as well as the build up of fluid, which exacerbates tissue damage due to increased intracranial pressure. Here, we discuss the considerable progress that has been made in the identification of the pro- and antiangiogenic factors produced by glioblastoma tumours and the effects of these molecules in animal models of the disease. The safety and efficacy of some of these approaches have now been demonstrated in clinical trials. However, the ability of tumours to overcome these therapies and to re-establish angiogenesis requires further clinical research regarding potential multimodality therapies, as well as basic research into the regulation of angiogenesis by as yet unidentified factors. Optimisation of noninvasive procedures for monitoring of angiogenesis would greatly facilitate such research.

Correspondence:

^c1 Corresponding author: Candece L. Gladson, Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, LHRB 567, 701 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. Tel: +1 205 975 7847; Fax: +1  205 934 7346; E-mail: gladson@uab.edu