Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Family in Cancer

Abstract

Cancer progression is attained by uncontrolled cell division and metastasis. Increase in tumor size triggersdifferent vascular channel formation to address cell nutritional demands. These channels are responsible fortransferring of nutrients and gaseous to the cancer cells. Cancer vascularization is regulated by numerous factorsincluding vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). These factors play an important role during embryonicdevelopment. Members included in this group are VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, PIGF and VEGFD which markedlyinfluence cellular growth and apoptosis. Being freely diffusible these proteins act in both autocrine and paracrinefashions. In this review, genetic characterization these molecules and their putative role in cancer staging hasbeen elaborated. Prognostic significance of these molecules along with different stages of cancer has also beensummarized. Brief outline of ongoing efforts to target hot spot target sites against these VEGFs and their cognatelimitations for therapeutic implications are also highlighted.