Angiogenesis in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review of the Literature. (9th November 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carla, Codecà; Daris, Ferrari; Cecilia, Bertuzzi; Francesca, Broggio; Francesca, Crepaldi; Paolo, Foa
• Other Names: Dudek Arkadiusz Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of oncology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2011-11-09
• Subjects: Oncology -- Research -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology -- Research; Tumors; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/358472
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8450

Abstract

Abstract : Angiogenesis is a necessary process for tumor growth, progression and diffusion. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms necessary to the formation of new vessels in tumor tissue and how to integrate these findings in the treatment of different type of cancer. Thanks to these studies there are today many anti-angiogenic drugs with established activity in cancer and approved in clinical practice. Head and neck cancer is a common tumor worldwide that often has advanced stage at diagnosis and poor prognosis. Angiogenesis has a well recognized role in head and neck cancer progression and resistance to drugs and radiotherapy and many clinical trials has been conducted with antiangiogenic agents in this disease, even if they often showed limited efficacy. In this review we summarize the main trials published about angiogenesis in head and neck cancer with particular attention to factors involved in this process and the available data on the efficacy of treatment with anti-angiogenic agents in this disease.