Angiogenesis as a target for breast cancer therapy.

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels, is crucial for the growth of both primary tumors and metastases beyond a minimal size and the vasculature of tumors facilitates their metastatic spread. Inhibition of angiogenesis is thus seen as a potentially useful approach to anti-metastasis therapy, and is an area of active research and development. Here we discuss this therapeutic approach in the context of breast cancer. An overview of the contribution of angiogenesis to tumor development is provided and current treatment options for breast cancer are briefly summarized. Assessment of angiogenesis in primary breast tumors has been shown to provide independent prognostic information. There are opportunities for the application of anti-angiogenesis therapeutic strategies in the treatment of breast cancer. Clinical trial design must take into account the unique properties of anti-angiogenic agents to fully assess their potential clinical benefit.