Neoangiogenesis

Neoangiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, playing a crucial role in physiological processes like wound healing and pathological processes such as cancer. In tumors, neoangiogenesis supplies nutrients and oxygen that enable rapid tumor growth and metastasis. It is mediated by numerous growth factors (especially VEGF, but also PDGF, FGF, and others) and involves complex signaling between endothelial, stromal, and immune cells. Therapeutic strategies often target these molecular mediators to disrupt the abnormal blood supply essential for tumor survival and expansion. Neoangiogenesis is distinct from angiogenesis in that it more specifically refers to new vessel growth in the context of existing vasculature, typically in disease settings like malignancy or chronic inflammation.

Other names

Angiogenic processtumor neovascularizationpathological angiogenesis

Not applicable directly; mechanisms are via inhibition of molecular mediators (e.g., VEGF inhibitors, MMP inhibitors)