Question

Angiogenesis is required for normal development to proceed. However, angiogenesis is also required to allow tumors to become metastatic. Explain how angiogenesis is involved in these two diverse pathways and give two examples for its role in normal development and two examples for its role in cancer. Please include all citations used as well as in-text citations.

Answer 1

Angiogenesis is the process of formation of the blood vessels. It is a basic process required because it allows the blood supply to any organ, so angiogenesis is an important step during the developmental stage. Angiogenesis is also required for wound repair.

As the tumor continues to grow, the long-term persistence of increased demand for blood flow triggers the growth of new blood vessels, known as “angiogenesis.” Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells to the healthy tissues. The key events in metastasis include the angiogenesis (generation of new blood vessels), and entering into the systemic circulation (Eg: crossing the basement membrane). Angiogenesis is the key step in the cancer progression to the healthy tissues in the body. The cancer cells escape into the general circulation and thus, invade the other tissues (Papetti & Herman, 2002).

Reference: Papetti, M., & Herman, I. M. (2002). Mechanisms of normal and tumor-derived angiogenesis. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 282(5), C947-C970.