Angiogenesis and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in malignant gliomas

摘要

VEGF receptors and their ligands are highly expressed in brain tumor cells but not in the adult normal brain cells. Angiogenesis process has been shown to play an important role in brain tumors cells development and survival. Malignant gliomas are the most common brain tumors with a low survival rate, despite the prompt treatment at diagnosis. Standard treatment consists of resection, radiation and chemotherapy with temozolomide, followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. Recurrence after standard treatment is often seen, indicating the high therapeutic resistance of glioblastoma cells. It has also been reported that glioblastomas are among the most angiogenic of all neoplasms in human. This paper will review recent data of the role of VEGF angiogenic growth factors in malignant gliomas angiogenesis.