Angiogenic Heterogeneity: Regulation of Neoplastic Angiogenesis by the Organ Microenvironment

Abstract

Cells cannot survive if they lack adequate oxygen and nutrient supply or cannot dispose of toxic molecules. Oxygen can diffuse from capillaries for only 150–200 μm. When distances of cells from a blood supply exceed this, cell death follows (1,2). Thus, the growth and survival of tumor masses beyond 0.5 mm in diameter require neovascularization, i.e., angiogenesis (3).