Tumor Angiogenesis: Mechanisms and Implications for Cancer Therapy

This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of tumor angiogenesis, detailing the circulatory system's components, including blood and lymphatic vessels. The instructor explains the cellular composition of blood vessels, highlighting the roles of blood endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. The mechanisms of vascular development, including vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, are discussed, emphasizing the importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a master regulator of angiogenesis. The lecture further explores the differences between normal and tumor blood vessels, noting that tumor vessels are often dysfunctional, leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery. The concept of the angiogenic switch, a critical step in tumor progression, is introduced, illustrating how tumors can induce angiogenesis to support their growth. The role of inflammatory cells and matrix metalloproteinases in facilitating the angiogenic switch is also examined. The lecture concludes with insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting angiogenesis to inhibit tumor growth.