AUTHOR=Zhong Xiaojuan , Fei Yujie , Zhao Haihui , Chen Jiao , Gao Mingyu , Huang Yi , Fei Wei TITLE=Mechanistic studies and therapeutic potential of angiopoietin in head and neck tumor angiogenesis JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1529225 DOI=10.3389/fonc.2025.1529225 ISSN=2234-943X ABSTRACT=Head and neck tumors represent a prevalent category of oral and maxillofacial malignancies, posing significant therapeutic and prognostic challenges due to their complex anatomical structure, tumor heterogeneity, and resistance to conventional therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the strong association between tumor progression and neoangiogenesis, with the angiopoietin (ANG) family playing a central role in this process. Comprising ANG1, ANG2, ANG3, and ANG4, these factors regulate multiple signaling pathways that promote cellular growth, differentiation, and proliferation, thereby driving angiogenesis and accelerating tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation of the ANG family’s role in head and neck tumors may offer critical insights into tumorigenesis mechanisms and unveil novel therapeutic targets. Such research has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients.