Lymphangiogenesis in tumors: what do we know?

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2003

Authors

Reis, JS (Author) Other; Fernando Schmitt (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Microscopy Research and Technique

Vol. 60

Pages: 171-180

ISSN: 1059-910X

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 48 Citations

Scopus - 58 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-HXP

DOI: 10.1002/jemt.10255

Abstract (EN): Lymphangiogenesis, the growth of new lymphatic vessels, has long been regarded as a putative efficient pathway to neoplastic metastization. However, until recently consistent data regarding reliable lymphatic endothelial cell markers were lacking. Moreover, the presence of new formed lymphatic vessels was considered a largely disputable concept. Now, this scenario has changed significantly, owing to consistent reports describing novel lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers, the demonstration of new formed lymphatic vessels within the bulk of the tumor in animal models and human neoplasms, and the characterization of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 pathway. We herein review the major breakthroughs in the field of lymphangiogenesis, with special emphasis on novel and reliable LEC markers, such as prox-1, LYVE-1, and podoplanin, as well as on the pathological assessment of lymphangiogenesis as a putative prognostic factor for human neoplasms. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10