Extracellular influences on tumor blood vessel growth in older people
Author Information
Author(s): Sprenger C C, Plymate S R, Reed M J
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
How do changes in the extracellular environment with aging influence tumor angiogenesis in the aged host?
Conclusion
The local microenvironment of primary epithelial tumors in aged hosts may support angiogenesis similarly to that found in younger hosts.
Supporting Evidence
- Age-associated epithelial cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, contribute significantly to mortality in the elderly.
- Senescent cells may facilitate epithelial tumor growth via increased expression of laminins associated with tumor angiogenesis.
- While serum levels of IGF-1 decrease with age, prostatic levels increase during prostate cancer progression.
Takeaway
As people get older, their bodies change, which can affect how tumors grow and develop blood vessels. This study looks at how these changes in the environment around tumors can help them grow in older people.
Methodology
This minireview examines key extracellular components and their changes with aging, focusing on prostate cancer as a model.
Limitations
The specific effects of age on the extracellular matrix within the tumor microenvironment are not well delineated.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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