What is the role of angiogenesis in cancer?

Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in cancer by forming new blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to tumors, enabling their growth and survival. As tumors develop, they require a blood supply to continue expanding and to sustain the energy demands of rapidly dividing cancer cells. By stimulating angiogenesis, the tumor can create a vascular network that connects to the existing blood supply, facilitating the distribution of essential resources and allowing it to grow larger than it could without this support.

This process is primarily driven by certain signals produced by tumor cells themselves, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which prompts the surrounding tissue to generate new blood vessels. Consequently, the presence of an effective angiogenic response can significantly enhance tumor progression and metastasis, making it a key target for potential cancer therapies aimed at disrupting this blood supply. Such treatments may involve inhibitors that block the formation of new blood vessels, impeding tumor growth and leading to potential success in managing cancer.