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Emerging mechanisms of tumour lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis

Nature Reviews Cancer volume 5, pages 735–743 (2005)Cite this article

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.

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Figure 1: The haemangiogenic switch and potential lymphangiogenic switch.
Figure 2: Crosstalk between tumour cells, blood vessel endothelial cells and lymphatic endothelial cells.
Figure 3: Relationship between haemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
Figure 4: Collaborative signalling systems.
Figure 5: Multiple roles of platelet-derived growth factor-BB.
Figure 6: The role of inflammation in lymphangiogenesis.

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Acknowledgements

Research grants of Y.C.'s laboratory are received from the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, the Swedish Cancer Foundation, the Karolinska Institute fund, the Söderberg Foundation, the EU integrated projects of Angiotargeting, and VascuPlug. Y.C. is supported by the Swedish Research Council.

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  1. Laboratory of Angiogenesis Research, Microbiology and Tumour Biology Center, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden

    Yihai Cao

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DATABASES

Entrez Gene

FGF2

p53

PDGFB

PROX1

VEGFA

VEGFC

VEGFD

VEGFR3

VHL

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Cao, Y. Emerging mechanisms of tumour lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 5, 735–743 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc1693

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