Describe a hallmark of cancer giving an example of how it wo

Describe a hallmark of cancer, giving an example of how it works. Then outline the characteristics of a therapy that would target this hallmark.

Solution

One major hallmark of cancer is sustained angiogenesis, or the stimulation of the growth of blood vessels around the cancerous tissue to provide it with nutrients. The stimulation of growth of the blood vessels is done by using a large number of factors such as vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast gowth factor (FGF), interleukin-8 etc. Angiogenesis begins immediately in cancer cells with blood circulation. In the cancerous tissue without blood circulation, the tissue injures the basement membrane, and the endothelial cells activated by angiogenic factors migrate and proliferate. This continues until the tissue has vascular connection.

Angiogenesis in cancerous tissue can be inhibited by using angiogenesis inhibitors. Drugs such as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and cartilage derived angiogenesis inhibitor act by inhibiting degradation of the basement membrane. Bevacizumab and prolactin inhibit VEGF. Angiostatin and endostatin inhibit the conversion of endothelial cells to vascular cells.