Abstract

Malignant tumours can spread to lymph nodes through lymphatic vessels. Recent studies show that tumours produce a range of growth factors that directly or indirectly stimulate lymphatic vessel growth (lymphangiogenesis) and lymphatic metastasis. These findings indicate that tumour lymphangiogenesis, similar to haemangiogenesis, is a complex process that is regulated by multiple growth factors. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which tumours induce lymphangiogenesis might provide important information for the therapeutic intervention of metastatic spread.

Author affiliations

1. Yihai Cao is at the Laboratory of Angiogenesis Research, Microbiology and Tumour Biology Center, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
   Email: yihai.cao@mtc.ki.se

Published online 4 August 2005

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