Tumor vascular endothelium and extracellular matrix

The tumor vascular endothelium and extracellular matrix (ECM) are integral components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitate tumor growth, survival, and metastasis (Source: NIH/NCI). The tumor vasculature is typically characterized by structural abnormalities, such as high permeability and tortuosity, driven by overexpressed factors like Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (Source: PubMed). The ECM acts as a dynamic scaffold composed of proteins like collagen and glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronan, which provide mechanical support and modulate signaling pathways through receptors like integrins (Source: UniProt). Therapeutic targeting of these components involves anti-angiogenic drugs, such as Bevacizumab, to normalize or prune tumor vessels and ECM-modifying agents, such as Hyaluronidase, to lower interstitial fluid pressure and enhance the delivery of other therapeutics (Source: PubChem). These strategies aim to disrupt the supportive niche that protects cancer cells from immune surveillance and cytotoxic treatments. Because this target represents a complex tissue environment rather than a single molecular entity, it is often addressed through multi-target or combination therapy approaches.

Other names

Tumor MicroenvironmentTumor StromaTumor NeovasculaturePerivascular NicheTumor ECM

Inhibition of pro-angiogenic signaling pathways (e.g., VEGF/VEGFR), enzymatic degradation of extracellular matrix components to reduce interstitial fluid pressure, and blockade of cell-adhesion molecules to disrupt tumor structural integrity and improve drug delivery.