Tumor Development and Angiogenesis in Adult Brain Tumor: Glioblastoma

Abstract

Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillaries from the preexisting blood vessels. Glioblastoma (GBM) tumors are highly vascularized tumors, and glioma growth depends on the formation of new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is a complex process involving proliferation, migration, and differentiation of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) under the stimulation of specific signals. It is controlled by the balance between its promoting and inhibiting factors. Various angiogenic factors and genes have been identified that stimulate glioma angiogenesis. Therefore, attention has been directed to anti-angiogenesis therapy in which glioma proliferation is inhibited by inhibiting the formation of new tumor vessels using angiogenesis inhibitory factors and drugs. Here, in this review, we highlight and summarize the various molecular mediators that regulate GBM angiogenesis with focus on recent clinical research on the potential of exploiting angiogenic pathways as a strategy in the treatment of GBM patients.