Molecular mechanisms of tumor vascularization

Tumor angiogenesis is a fast growing sub-domain of angiogenesis research and tumor biology. Basic mechanisms have been unraveled and many key players identified. For many years, tumor vascularization was explained solely by the ingrowth of new vessels into the tumor from preexisting one's. However, in recent years, additional mechanisms have been recognized. These include angioblasts recruitment, cooption, vasculogenic mimicry and mosaic vessels. These different mechanisms may exist concomitantly in the same tumor or may be selectively involved in a specific tumor type or host environment. In this article, we will review, in depth, these different mechanisms and also discuss some aspects of anti-angiogenic tumor therapy. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.