Affiliations: Department of Gynecologic Oncology, U.T. M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center, Unit 1362, P.O. Box 301439, Houston TX 77230-1439, USA | Department of Cancer Biology, U.T. M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 173, Houston TX 77030, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Anil K. Sood, M.D., Professor, Departments
of Gynecologic Oncology and Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1362, P.O. Box 301439, Houston TX 77230-1439, USA.
Tel.: +1 713 745 5266; Fax: +1 713 792 7586; E-mail: asood@mdanderson.org
Abstract: Tumor development and progression are inherently dependent on the
process of angiogenesis. Recently, anti-angiogenic therapy has started to show
promise as an effective treatment strategy in many solid tumors including
ovarian carcinoma. Unfortunately, lack of effective biomarkers presents a
challenge for oncologists in treatment planning as well as monitoring response
of new anti-vascular agents. Previously, quantification of angiogenesis by
microvessel density analysis provided useful prognostic information, however,
its utility following anti-angiogenic therapy remains to be determined.
Moreover, since secreted cytokines play an active part in angiogenesis by
mediating neovascularization in tumors, investigations have focused on their
potential role to serve as candidate biomarkers of disease detection,
prognosis, and treatment response. In this article, we review the role of key
angiogenesis markers as potential biomarkers in ovarian carcinoma.
