Tumoral angiogenesis--hot topic in science again
Kurjak, A.; Sparac, V.; Kupesić, S.; Breyer, B.; Jukić, S.; Pavelić, K.
Lijecnicki Vjesnik 121(9-10): 309-315
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-3477 PMID: 19658375 Document Number: 511515
Angiogenesis is the formation of new capillary blood vessels. It has a very important role not only in physiological conditions but in the process of malignant tumors growth. Weak muscular layer, chaotical branching and irregular shape, are the characteristics of newly formed tumorous vessels. The number and arrangement of blood vessels differ between benign and malignant tumors. Latest data suggesting that drugs inhibiting angiogenesis can stop growth of malignant tumors made the research on tumorous angiogenesis a hot topic recently. Although reliable in differentiating benign from malignant tumors, two-dimensional ultrasound with color and pulsed Doppler, can not make spatial image of vascular architecture. Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound with color Doppler allows the investigator to have a three-dimensional architectural picture of tumorous vascular network, and according to the findings it is possible to detect malignant tumors even in doubtful cases.