Lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel remodelling in cancer

SA Stacker, SP Williams, T Karnezis, R Shayan… - Nature Reviews …, 2014 - nature.com
Nature Reviews Cancer, 2014nature.com
The generation of new lymphatic vessels through lymphangiogenesis and the remodelling
of existing lymphatics are thought to be important steps in cancer metastasis. The past
decade has been exciting in terms of research into the molecular and cellular biology of
lymphatic vessels in cancer, and it has been shown that the molecular control of tumour
lymphangiogenesis has similarities to that of tumour angiogenesis. Nevertheless, there are
significant mechanistic differences between these biological processes. We are now …
Abstract
The generation of new lymphatic vessels through lymphangiogenesis and the remodelling of existing lymphatics are thought to be important steps in cancer metastasis. The past decade has been exciting in terms of research into the molecular and cellular biology of lymphatic vessels in cancer, and it has been shown that the molecular control of tumour lymphangiogenesis has similarities to that of tumour angiogenesis. Nevertheless, there are significant mechanistic differences between these biological processes. We are now developing a greater understanding of the specific roles of distinct lymphatic vessel subtypes in cancer, and this provides opportunities to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that aim to restrict the progression of cancer.
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