Theranostic Advances in Vascular Malformations

J Invest Dermatol. 2020 Apr;140(4):756-763. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.10.001.

Abstract

Vascular malformations are subdivided into capillary, lymphatic, venous, arteriovenous, and mixed malformations, according to the type of affected vessels. Until a few years ago, treatment options were limited to sclerotherapy and/or surgery. Since, it has been demonstrated that the majority of vascular malformations are caused by inherited or somatic mutations in various genes. These mutations lead to hyperactivity of two major signaling pathways: the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. These discoveries paved the way for the development and testing of targeted molecular inhibitors as therapies for vascular anomalies via repurposing of anticancer drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management*
  • Humans
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Vascular Malformations / therapy*