Angiogenesis and prostate cancer tumor growth.

The initiation of new blood vessels through angiogenesis is critical to tumor growth. Tumor cells release soluble angiogenic factors that induce neovascularization, without which nutrients and oxygen would not be available to allow tumors to grow more than 2-3 mm in diameter. This "angiogenic switch" or angiogenic phenotype requires an imbalance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors since the formation of new blood vessels is highly regulated. This review discusses angiogenesis mediators, and the potential for manipulation of angiogenic factors as a practical cancer therapy, particularly in prostate cancer. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.