Pericytes: a double-edged sword in cancer therapy

MB Meng, NG Zaorsky, L Deng, HH Wang, J Chao… - Future …, 2015 - Future Medicine
MB Meng, NG Zaorsky, L Deng, HH Wang, J Chao, LJ Zhao, ZY Yuan, W Ping
Future oncology, 2015Future Medicine
Pericytes, which envelope the vascular endothelium throughout the body, are often targeted
to promote vascular normalization and restore normal function of blood vessels in cancer
treatment. The goals of pericyte-targeted therapy tend to promote proper vascular
normalization of the tumor. Tumor vascular normalization prevents metastasis, increases
tumor oxygenation (making radiation more effective in killing tumor cells), optimizes Starling
forces to increase delivery of cancer cell-directed therapies (eg, chemotherapy or targeted …
Abstract
Pericytes, which envelope the vascular endothelium throughout the body, are often targeted to promote vascular normalization and restore normal function of blood vessels in cancer treatment. The goals of pericyte-targeted therapy tend to promote proper vascular normalization of the tumor. Tumor vascular normalization prevents metastasis, increases tumor oxygenation (making radiation more effective in killing tumor cells), optimizes Starling forces to increase delivery of cancer cell-directed therapies (e.g., chemotherapy or targeted agents), increases the efficacy of focal therapies (e.g., surgery or radiation), and increases recognition by the host immune system. We review how approaches in pericyte-targeted therapy aim to reach a balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic function (i.e., by targeting platelet-derived growth factor beta receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and Tie-2) for tumor vascular normalization.
Future Medicine