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“Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, is involved in various steps of ovarian carcinogenesis.”— Hefler et al, Clin Cancer Res. 20071
Angiogenesis plays a central role in both normal ovarian function and in the development and progression of ovarian cancer.2 Focusing on tumor growth is particularly relevant for ovarian tumors, which can grow very large despite the small size of the ovaries.3 As demonstrated by histologic studies, ovarian tumors are richly vascularized, and a correlation exists between microvascular count and biological aggressiveness.3,4
VEGF-related growth factors and receptors are primary signaling pathways in tumor angiogenesis and have been implicated as regulators of angiogenesis and disease progression in ovarian cancer.5,6 Preclinical studies support the hypothesis that VEGF is a predominant effector of ovarian carcinomas. In humans, high degrees of tumor angiogenesis and VEGF expression in ovarian carcinomas correlate with poorer survival.4,7
In this section, you will find information on the proposed roles of VEGF in ovarian cancer, the prevalence of VEGF expression in ovarian carcinomas, and the prognostic implications of VEGF expression.
For more information on VEGF and angiogenesis in ovarian cancer, click on the links below.
