Nagahashi M, Ramachandran S, Rashid OM, Takabe K. Lymphangiogenesis: A new player in cancer progression. World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16(32): 4003-4012 [PMID: 20731013 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i32.4003]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, PO Box 980011, West Hospital, Room 7-402, 1200 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0011, United States. ktakabe@vcu.edu
Article-Type of This Article
Frontier
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2010; 16(32): 4003-4012 Published online Aug 28, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i32.4003
Lymphangiogenesis: A new player in cancer progression
Masayuki Nagahashi, Subramaniam Ramachandran, Omar M Rashid, Kazuaki Takabe
Masayuki Nagahashi, Subramaniam Ramachandran, Omar M Rashid, Kazuaki Takabe, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298-0011, United States
Author contributions: Nagahashi M, Ramachandran S, Rashid OM and Takabe K all generated the ideas and contributed to the writing of this paper.
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)
Correspondence to: Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, PO Box 980011, West Hospital, Room 7-402, 1200 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0011, United States. ktakabe@vcu.edu
Telephone: +1-804-8289322 Fax: +1-804-8284808
Received: May 3, 2010 Revised: June 15, 2010 Accepted: June 22, 2010 Published online: August 28, 2010
Abstract
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 findings 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 identification of biomarkers that predict response to treatment.
