As the tumor
grows, it requires the development of new
vessels, i.e., neo-angiogenesis. The new
vessels transport oxygen and various
nutriments to the tumor cells allowing for
additional growth of the tumor mass. The
ability to generate neo-angiogenesis varies
greatly between tumors. These Interactions
with the vascular System are critical to the
development of metastases.
In the laboratory, we are interested in
these interactions and how the tumor cells
production of angiogenic factors including
endothelin-1 (ET-1) and vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) stirs the development
of new vessels. These studies are conducted,
in collaboration with
Dr. Mark Clemens, on an in vivo breast
cancer model of the development of bone
metastases. This in vivo model closely
mimics the development of breast cancer
metastases to the bone and allows the
analysis of the effect of endothelin-1, a
key protein associated with the development
of new vessels, a critical step for tumor
growth.
The gathered information will provide a
better understanding of the step associated
with the generation of new vessels and may
deliver the bases for the development of
angiogenic-based treatments of aggressive
metastatic tumors. Indeed, preventing tumor
growth by preventing the development of new
vessels (therefore starving the tumor cells)
may become a clinical option for patients
with solid tumor including breast cancer
patients.