A Modulator of FGFs in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Growth factors, tumor angiogenesis and metastasis One of the pivotal roles of locally-acting polypeptide growth factors is the induction of new blood vessels in a healing wound as well as in growing tumors. It has been shown in numerous studies with different approaches that a solid tumor cannot grow beyond a few millimeters in size without sufficient blood supply. In addition to the nourishing function of tumor blood vessels, they provide a pathway for the tumor cells to metastasize to distant organs 1-5. A direct correlation between blood vessel density in primary tumors and their metastasis has been reported for breast cancer 6-10. Most interestingly tumor angiogenesis as reflected in microvessel density is an independent prognostic indicator in breast cancer patients when tested against known parameters (e.g. tumor size, estrogen receptor, lymph node status, c-erbB-2 expression). Since angiogenesis is such an important feature of in vivo tumor biology, the driving forces behind this process need to be understood.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381144
Entities
People
- Benjamin L. Kagan
- Violaine K. Harris
Organizations
- Georgetown University