Mechanisms of Tumor Angiogenesis and Resulting Therapy Resistance

In 2021, over 10 million people died of cancer worldwide. Although recent technology and innovations have saved the lives of many, a large portion of cancer cells continue to avoid these treatments; a key part of this is due to the formation of new blood capillaries, known as angiogenesis. Typically, angiogenesis occurs in tissue repair, embryonic development, the menstrual cycle, muscle growth, and organ-lining development.1 However, tumor angiogenesis is uncontrolled and rapid, giving tumor cells the nutrient and oxygen supply they need to sustain themselves and spread through the bloodstream. Several treatments have been attempted to disrupt this process, including angiogenesis inhibitors, but more widespread therapies, such as chemotherapy, are often affected by both angiogenesis and its inhibition. To effectively administer treatments, it is essential that the mechanisms, including pro-angiogenic growth factors, signalling pathways, and oxygen levels, of this self-sustaining aspect of cancer cells is evaluated and taken into consideration. In this study, I aim to analyze the extent to which tumor angiogenesis allows these malignant cells to resist cancer treatments.