Lymph node metastasis is the hallmark of colon cancer progression,and is considered one of the most important prognostic factors.Recently,there has been growing evidence that tumor lymphangiogenesis(formation of new l...Lymph node metastasis is the hallmark of colon cancer progression,and is considered one of the most important prognostic factors.Recently,there has been growing evidence that tumor lymphangiogenesis(formation of new lymphatic vessels) plays an important role in this process.Here,we review the latest f indings of the role of lymphangiogenesis in colorectal cancer progression,and discuss its clinical application as a biomarker and target for new therapy.Understanding the molecular pathways that regulate lymphangiogenesis is mandatory to pave the way for the development of new therapies for cancer.In the future,tailored treatments consisting of combinations of chemotherapy,other targeted therapies,and anti-lymphangiogenesis agents will hopefully improve patient outcomes.This progression to the clinic must be guided by new avenues of research,such as the identif ication of biomarkers that predict response to treatment.展开更多
基金Supported by SUMITOMO Life Social Welfare Services Foundation (to Nagahashi M)Virginia Commonwealth University Grant BIRCWH K12HD055881,and Susan G Komen for the Cure Career Catalyst Research Grant KG090510 (to Takabe K)
文摘Lymph node metastasis is the hallmark of colon cancer progression,and is considered one of the most important prognostic factors.Recently,there has been growing evidence that tumor lymphangiogenesis(formation of new lymphatic vessels) plays an important role in this process.Here,we review the latest f indings of the role of lymphangiogenesis in colorectal cancer progression,and discuss its clinical application as a biomarker and target for new therapy.Understanding the molecular pathways that regulate lymphangiogenesis is mandatory to pave the way for the development of new therapies for cancer.In the future,tailored treatments consisting of combinations of chemotherapy,other targeted therapies,and anti-lymphangiogenesis agents will hopefully improve patient outcomes.This progression to the clinic must be guided by new avenues of research,such as the identif ication of biomarkers that predict response to treatment.