Angiogenesis-related and cell proliferation pathways

The term Angiogenesis-related and cell proliferation pathways does not refer to a single molecular target but rather to a complex network of signaling cascades and biological processes. Angiogenesis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels, a mechanism frequently hijacked by tumors to support growth and metastasis (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Cell proliferation pathways, such as the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR routes, regulate the cell cycle and growth in response to extracellular stimuli (Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2020). Because this entry describes a functional category rather than a specific protein, it is considered an incorrect target designation for structured drug-target interaction databases. However, it encompasses several well-validated therapeutic targets, including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and its receptors, as well as the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2021). Drugs targeting these pathways are cornerstone treatments in oncology, designed to either starve the tumor of its blood supply or directly inhibit the division of malignant cells (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Angiogenic signaling pathwaysCell growth and proliferation pathwaysTumor angiogenesis and proliferation cascadesMitogenic signaling pathways

Inhibition of growth factor signaling (such as VEGF or EGF) and intracellular kinase cascades (such as MAPK or PI3K/Akt) to prevent new blood vessel formation and arrest the cell cycle.