Lung Cancer and Angiogenesis

Lung Cancer and Angiogenesis

Miniaci Performing Arts Center

Lung cancer usually forms from cells that line the airways and nearby glands since these cells come into contact with the air we breathe which may contain carcinogens (such as tobacco smoke, asbestos, and benzene). Specifically lung cancer can be divided into two major groups: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this literature review project is to discuss how angiogenic activators such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) have a prognostic significance in the development of lung cancer. Lung cancer occurs over a period of time where normal cells grow into cancerous cells eventually forming a tumor. A tumor cannot grow larger than the head of a pin without a blood supply. For the tumor to get a blood supply it must secrete activators such as: VEGF, platelet derived endothelial growth factor, or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), signaling the surrounding normal host tissue to make new blood vessels, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tumor and taking the waste products out. The process of forming new blood vessels is known as angiogenesis. The concept of angiogenesis was first popularized by Dr. Judah Folkman in 1971. Before the 1960s, cancer researchers thought that the blood supply reached the tumor through the dilation of the pre-existing blood vessels. Presently researchers are trying to find various inhibitors that can stop angiogenesis from taking place and cure lung cancer and many other types of cancers.