Angiogenesis-Related Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Ovarian Cancer represents the most fatal type of gynecological malignancies. A number of processes are involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, especially within the tumor microenvironment. Angiogenesis represents a hallmark phenomenon in cancer, and it is responsible for tumor spread and metastasis in ovarian cancer, among other tumor types, as it leads to new blood vessel formation. In recent years angiogenesis has been given considerable attention in order to identify targets for developing effective anti-tumor therapies. Growth factors have been identified to play key roles in driving angiogenesis and, thus, the formation of new blood vessels that assist in “feeding” cancer. Such molecules include the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), the fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and the angiopoietin/Tie2 receptor complex. These proteins are key players in complex molecular pathways within the tumor cell and they have been in the spotlight of the development of anti-angiogenic molecules that may act as stand-alone therapeutics, or in concert with standard treatment regimes such as chemotherapy. The pathways involved in angiogenesis and molecules that have been developed in order to combat angiogenesis are described in this paper.

Final results of a phase 3 study of trebananib plus weekly paclitaxel in recurrent ovarian cancer (TRINOVA-1): Long-term survival, impact of ascites, and progression-free survival-2

“…Angiogenesis is controlled by growth factors, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway and angiopoietin-Tie2 receptor axis. The angiopoietin axis is distinct from the VEGF pathway; angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) regulate angiogenesis and vascular remodeling by interacting with the endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase, Tie2 [5]. Evidence suggests that the Ang2 pathway plays a role in the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer [6][7][8] and upregulation of Ang2 is correlated with poor prognosis in women with recurrent ovarian cancer [9].…”

Anti-Ovarian Vessels Antibodies in P. aeruginosa Rabbit Hyper Immune Sera, an Immunohistochemical Study

“…This results sheds some light on the target specificity for the antibodies contained in Pseudomonas aeruginosa hyperimmune sera.The targeting of ovary blood vessels is important. Angiogenesis is being targeted in the treatment of various tumors [18]. Besides, the peculiar nature of the cyclical angiogenesis of ovary make antibody directed targeting fruitful in targeting the tumor of this organ [1].…”

Primary non‑Hodgkin lymphoma of the right femur and subsequent metastasis to the left femur: A case report and literature review

“…Furthermore, owing to the high permeability of the tumor vasculature, anti-angiogenic therapy can reduce CTCs to engraft and the original tumor to transfer (33). The tumor microenvironment and tumor angiogenesis have been demonstrated to serve significant roles in a number of types of solid tumor, including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers (34)(35)(36)(37).…”