Background: Tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are important new areas of cancer research. In this paper we highlight the central aspects of these processes and describe new therapies directed at the tumour vasculature. We also present some of our own data.
Material and methods: Data from key papers in international journals on tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are cited and discussed.
Results: Research on tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis has increased dramatically over the last 30 years. Today, this knowledge is being used to predict the aggressiveness of malignant tumours and to design compounds which can halt the angiogenesis process and affect tumour growth.
Interpretation: Insight into how angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are regulated in malignant neoplasms is important to the understanding of tumour biology. Currently, numerous clinical trials are conducted with angiogenesis inhibitors; the first completed trials indicate that tumour growth may be retarded in some cancer entities.