Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
angiogenesis
Pronunciation: an-jee-oh-JEN-uh-sis
The process by which new blood vessels form to supply growing tumors with nutrients and oxygen.
Full Definition
Angiogenesis is the physiological process of blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels, which becomes pathologically activated in cancer progression. Tumors require adequate blood supply to grow beyond 1-2 mm in diameter, making angiogenesis a critical step in cancer development and metastasis. Understanding this process has led to the development of anti-angiogenic therapies, such as bevacizumab, which target tumor vasculature to starve cancer cells of essential nutrients.
Usage
Usage note: Often used with modifiers such as 'tumor-associated' or 'pathological' in oncology contexts.
In Context
- "The tumor showed extensive angiogenesis with increased microvessel density on CD31 staining." — Histopathology report
- "Anti-angiogenesis therapy with bevacizumab was added to the chemotherapy regimen to inhibit tumor vascularization." — Treatment plan
Also known as
neovascularization
blood vessel formation
Contrasted with
anti-angiogenesis
Don't confuse with
vasculogenesis
arteriogenesis