Why is angiogenesis important in the development of tumours?
1. Nutrient Supply: Rapidly dividing tumour cells have a high demand for oxygen and nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids. Angiogenesis ensures a continuous supply of these essential substances to the tumour cells, sustaining their growth and proliferation.
2. Removal of Waste Products: Tumours produce a significant amount of waste products, including carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which can be toxic to the tumour cells. Angiogenesis facilitates the removal of these waste products by creating new blood vessels that transport them away from the tumour.
3. Invasion and Metastasis: Angiogenesis enables tumours to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant sites. The newly formed blood vessels provide a pathway for tumour cells to disseminate and establish secondary tumours in different organs.
4. Tumour Microenvironment: Angiogenesis also contributes to the development of the tumour microenvironment, which consists of various cell types, such as endothelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts. The tumour vasculature interacts with these cells, promoting tumour growth, invasion, and immune evasion.
5. Resistance to Therapy: Angiogenesis can hinder the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The newly formed blood vessels can protect tumour cells from the cytotoxic effects of these therapies by providing an alternative source of nutrients and oxygen.
Therefore, angiogenesis is a critical process that supports tumour growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Targeting angiogenesis is a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment, with several anti-angiogenic drugs currently approved for clinical use. By inhibiting angiogenesis, it is possible to restrict tumour growth, prevent metastasis, and improve patient outcomes.