Vessel co-option in glioblastoma: emerging insights and opportunities

Abstract

Vessel co-option is the movement of cancer cells towards and along the pre-existing vasculature and is an alternative to angiogenesis to gain access to nutrients. Vessel co-option has been shown as a strategy employed by some glioblastoma (GBM) cells to invade further into the brain, leading to one of the greatest challenges in treating GBM. In GBM, vessel co-option may be an intrinsic feature or an acquired mechanism of resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment. Here, we describe the histological features and the dynamics visualized through intravital microscopy of vessel co-option in GBM, as well as the molecular players discovered until now. We also highlight key unanswered questions, as answering these is critical to improve understanding of GBM progression and for developing more effective approaches for GBM treatment.