Cell Types, Anatomy & Tumor Biology
Angiogenesis (in glioma)
Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels that tumors use to supply themselves, a prominent feature of aggressive gliomas and a treatment target.
In short: Angiogenesis (in glioma)
- It is the growth of new blood vessels.
- Tumors use it to supply themselves with nutrients.
- It is prominent in aggressive gliomas like glioblastoma.
- It is targeted by anti-angiogenic drugs such as bevacizumab.
What it is
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. Tumors, including gliomas, stimulate angiogenesis to supply themselves with the oxygen and nutrients needed to grow. Abnormal blood vessel growth (microvascular proliferation) is a prominent feature of aggressive gliomas and a target for treatment.
Understanding Angiogenesis (in glioma)
As a glioma grows, it needs an increasing blood supply, so it releases signals that prompt new blood vessels to form. In aggressive gliomas, particularly glioblastoma, this produces abnormal, leaky, and disordered blood vessels — and "microvascular proliferation" is one of the microscopic hallmarks used to diagnose grade 4 tumors. This abnormal vasculature contributes to tumor growth and to features such as contrast enhancement and swelling on imaging. Because angiogenesis is important for tumor growth, drugs that block it (anti-angiogenic therapies, such as bevacizumab, which targets a key vessel-growth signal called VEGF) are used in some situations, particularly for recurrent glioblastoma and to help control swelling. Understanding angiogenesis clarifies how gliomas build their blood supply and why this process is targeted in treatment. Understanding angiogenesis clarifies a key tumor process and treatment target.
Why it matters
Understanding angiogenesis helps patients and families see how aggressive gliomas build the blood supply they need to grow — and why drugs that block this process are used in some treatment situations.
Common questions
What is angiogenesis?
The growth of new blood vessels.
Why do tumors need it?
To supply themselves with oxygen and nutrients.
Is it targeted in treatment?
Yes — by anti-angiogenic drugs such as bevacizumab.
Bottom line
Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels that gliomas use to supply themselves, prominent in aggressive tumors and targeted by anti-angiogenic drugs.
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