Tumor Angiogenesis Basic Mechanisms and Cancer Therapy [Hardcover]

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the most prominent mechanisms driving tumor development and progression. This book is written by internationally renowned experts. Part 1 describes the basic mechanisms. Tumor-angiogenic signaling pathways are presented as new potential targets for anti-angiogenic therapy. Part 2 reviews the efforts made to validate new targets and to show efficacy in animals. Part 3 is devoted to the clinical development of the novel anti-angiogenic drugs and their use in clinical practice.

Part 1 of this book describes the basic mechanisms tumor angiogenesis. Part 2 reviews the efforts made to validate new targets and to show efficacy in animals. Part 3 is devoted to the clinical development of the novel anti-angiogenic drugs and their use.

With contributions by numerous expertsPreface Tumor development and progression occur as a result of cumulative acquisition of genetic alterations affecting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. As a consequence of these alterations the arising tumor gains some fatal properties such as increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, resulting in a net accumulation of tra- formed cells. Once a critical volume is achieved, lack of oxygen and nutrients limits further growth. To overcome this obstacle, the tumor cells initiate a program focused on the formation of new blood vessels within the host tissue. This process is termed tumor angiogenesis and contributes to the progression of most solid tumors and the formation of metastases. Since its discovery more than 30 years ago by Dr. Judah Folkman, tumor angiog- esis has been proposed as an ideal target for novel tumor therapies. Today the first anti-angiogenic compounds are available for the treatment of patients but their s- cess in the clinic is rather limited when given as monotherapies. This is in contrast to many preclinical results which revealed a much higher efficacy of these therapeutics in appropriate animal models. Thl³Ž