New frontiers in angiogenesis research

Angiogenesis consists in the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature. It depends on the balance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors. It is essential for growth, embryological development, ovulation, tissue regeneration, and wound healing. Its imbalance leads to pathological conditions, including delayed wound healing, cardiovascular accidents, inflammatory diseases, and growth and metastasis of tumors. Under normal conditions, cancer cells are in a dormant state. The angiogenic switch (escape from dormancy) depends on the disruption of the balance of angiogenic factors. About 50 years ago, Folkman argued that angiogenesis could be a strategic target for anticancer therapy, and several therapeutic protocols have been designed. Not surprisingly, recent research on angiogenesis has been addressed to oncology. This chapter summarizes recent advances in angiogenesis research, with the last concepts that provide new methodological approaches for the investigation of specific patterns of the angiogenic process, including the development of novel therapeutic strategies.