The dependence of tumor growth on neovascularization has become an important aspect of cancer biology. Tumor angiogenesis is one of the key mechanisms of tumorigenesis, growth and metastasis. The key events involved in this process are endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and vascular formation. Recent studies have revealed the importance of tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), including epithelial proliferation, stem cell maintenance, angiogenesis, and immune remodeling. Decades of research have identified that the molecular basis of tumor angiogenesis includes vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptor family, which are the main targets of antiangiogenesis therapy. VEGFs and their receptors play key roles in the pathology of angiogenesis, and their overexpression indicates poor prognosis in CRC. This article reviews the characteristics of the tumor vasculature and the role of TECs in different stages of CRC and immune remodeling. We also discuss the biological effects of VEGFs and their receptor family as angiogenesis regulators and emphasize the clinical implications of TECs in clinical treatment.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Heterogeneity; Immune remodeling; Tumor-associated endothelial cells; Vascular endothelial growth factor.
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