Targeting angiogenesis: Lessons from 25 years of normalizing tumor vasculature

Abstract

Tumors acquire blood vessels primarily via sprouting angiogenesis and co-option of pre-existing host vasculature, but also via intussusception, vasculogenesis from bone-marrow-derived progenitors, vascular mimicry, and endothelial transdifferentiation. The abnormal structure and function of these vessels, resulting from an imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic signaling as well as from the physical forces, impair the delivery and efficacy of therapeutics. We review the evolving narrative of targeting angiogenesis from starving tumors to vascular normalization as a therapeutic principle and highlight recent spatial-omics revelations and the emerging role of neural, microbial, hormonal, and chronological factors. We elaborate on the molecular mechanisms of tumor vessel formation, how dysfunctional vessels cause an abnormal tumor microenvironment characterized by hypoxia, low pH, elevated fluid pressure, and immunosuppression, and how vascular normalization enhances the delivery and efficacy of various therapies, including immunotherapies, and has formed the basis of emerging strategies and novel therapeutic agents to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: angiogenesis; endothelial transdifferentiation; immunotherapy; intussusception; microenvironment; sprouting angiogenesis; tumor; vascular mimicry; vascular normalization; vasculature; vasculogenesis; vessel co-option.