Angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Research in the past three decades has established that angiogenesis is essential for tumorigenesis, tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. The molecular mechanism of tumor angiogenesis has also been gradually unveiled by numerous studies on various angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular tumor characterized by neovascularization. Studies in the recent 10 years have shown an important role of angiogenesis in the growth and progression of HCC. Animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents in suppressing hepatocarcinogenesis and growth of HCC. While several studies have revealed the potential role of angiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor in the angiogenesis of HCC, the exact regulatory mechanism remains to be clarified, and the prognostic value of angiogenic activity in HCC is also uncertain. This article reviews the available literature on angiogenesis in HCC and discusses its potential clinical implications in regards to the management of HCC.