Tumor vasculature and tumor-associated vascular endothelial cells (TECs)

Tumor vasculature and tumor-associated vascular endothelial cells (TECs) constitute the aberrant blood vessel network and its constituent cells that develop within a tumor to support its growth and survival. Unlike normal physiological vessels, tumor-associated vessels are characterized by structural irregularities, including excessive branching, tortuosity, and high permeability, which result from an imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors [1][2]. These vessels are critical for providing the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the tumor microenvironment and serve as the primary route for the systemic dissemination of cancer cells [3]. Therapeutic targeting of this system primarily involves anti-angiogenic agents that inhibit signaling pathways like the VEGF/VEGFR axis to prevent new vessel formation, as well as vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) that target the established cytoskeleton of TECs to cause rapid vessel collapse [4]. Furthermore, the concept of vascular normalization suggests that judicious use of these therapies can temporarily restore a more normal vessel phenotype, improving the delivery of cytotoxic drugs and the efficacy of radiation therapy [5].

Other names

Tumor blood vesselsTumor neovasculatureAngiogenic vesselsTumor-associated endothelial cellsTumor-derived endothelial cells

Inhibition of pro-angiogenic signaling pathways (primarily the VEGF/VEGFR axis), selective disruption of established tumor vessel cytoskeleton leading to vascular collapse, and normalization of the tumor vascular bed to improve drug delivery.