Angiogenesis: all a radiation oncologist should know

摘要

Angiogenesis is a crucial requirement for tumorogenesis, providing oxygen and nutrient supply necessary for tumor growth and metastasis. This is a complex phenomenon regulated by many factors that can now be targeted by novel anti-cancer therapies. Antiangiogenic approaches have shown positive results in clinical trials and are now approved as standard of care in medical oncology. Many clinical trials are evaluating antiangiogenic agents in association with radiotherapy. This review aims to summarize the knowledge useful to the understanding of these novel therapies and their potential in combination with radiotherapy.