Automated Evaluation of Microscopic Images Speeds Search for Tumor Disruptors

摘要

Cardio-vascular and cancer diseases are the number one and two causes of death in the developed world. The vascular biology field has gained global significance in the search for new medical treatments and effective preemptive measures. Research in this field focuses on blood vessels. Specifically, this means examining the growth of blood vessels (referred to as "angio-genesis") as well as any vascular change of a pathological nature. Anti-angiogenic tumor therapies are an example of the new therapeutical opportunities resulting from this area of research. These types of therapies exploit the fact that tumors require nutrients and oxygen supplied by blood vessels in order to be able to grow. The aim is not directly attacking the tumor itself, rather selectively attacking the blood vessels supplying it. Their growth is inhibited in order to cut the tumor off from its 'supply lines.' The search for anti-angiogenic substances (ie, substances that inhibit vascular growth) is the fundamental first step toward the development of such therapies.