Angiogenesis in neoplastic processes

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is a complex multi-step process initiated by the secretion and action of soluble angiogenic factors. Thus degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and activation, proliferation, migration and organization into tubular structures of vascular endothelial cells and pericytes takes place. Formation of new blood vessels plays a key role in physiological processes involving neovascularization, such as ovulation, placentation and embryogenesis. Moreover, angiogenesis is crucial for benign and malignant neoplastic processes. Invasive cancer growth occurs as a result of formation of blood vessels within a tumour that enable its growth, infiltration of tissues and genesis of metastases.