Concise Review: Vascular Stem Cells and Tumor Angiogenesis
2011

Vascular Stem Cells and Tumor Angiogenesis

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Juan M Melero-Martin, Andrew C Dudley

Primary Institution: Children's Hospital Boston

Hypothesis

The review explores the roles of nontumor-forming vascular stem cells in tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Conclusion

Solid tumors may be driven by both cancer stem cells and nontumor-forming progenitors that contribute to the formation of tumor blood vessels.

Supporting Evidence

  • Adult stem cells in tumors do not form tumors but may help cancer cells grow.
  • Different types of stem cells can influence how tumors develop and spread.
  • Some stem cells can turn into blood vessel cells, which are important for tumor growth.

Takeaway

Some cells in tumors help them grow and make new blood vessels, but not all of these cells cause tumors themselves.

Limitations

The review does not provide experimental data but discusses existing literature.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/stem.583

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