Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, is a critical component in both physiological and pathological contexts. In adults, angiogenesis is typically limited to specific situations such as wound healing, whereas in cancer, it is often dysregulated, leading to excessive and abnormal blood vessel growth. Tumors exploit both sprouting angiogenesis, which involves the formation of new vessels from existing ones, and non-sprouting angiogenesis, or intussusception, which involves the splitting of existing vessels. Despite significant advances in understanding these processes, current anti-angiogenic therapies, primarily targeting the VEGF/VEGF receptor-2 axis, face challenges such as resistance and toxicity. Tumor micro-environment factors like hypoxia and immune cell cytokines activate alternative angiogenesis pathways, and aggressive tumors may develop vascular mimicry, forming vessel-like structures without endothelial cells. This phenomenon is often exacerbated by anti-angiogenic treatments, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to target multiple regulators of tumor vasculature to improve therapeutic outcomes.This research topic aims to explore recent advancements in the pharmacological targeting of tumor vasculature, focusing on the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can enhance patient outcomes. The goal is to address the limitations of current VEGF-directed therapies by investigating alternative pathways and mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and vascular mimicry. By understanding these complex processes, the research seeks to develop innovative strategies that can overcome resistance and reduce toxicity, ultimately leading to more effective cancer treatments.To gather further insights into the complexities of tumor vasculature targeting, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes: • Pharmacological manipulation of the tumor vasculature.• Predictive vascular tumor biomarkers with clinical application.• Accidental angiogenesis inhibitors.• Innovative multi-targeting approaches to curtail tumor vascularization.• Mechanisms of resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors.• Immune modulators and anti-angiogenic drugs.• Therapeutic targeting of vascular mimicry in cancer.• Vascular normalization in cancer treatment.'Manuscripts evaluating plant and fungal extracts for pharmacological activity need to be submitted through the 'Ethnopharmacology' section. All the manuscripts submitted to the collection through this path will need to fully comply with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version here). Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool, and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. Please note the traditional context including the primary background and modern uses with supporting references must be included in the manuscript introduction. Purely in silico approaches using complex mixtures (extracts) are generally not considered.
Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, is a critical component in both physiological and pathological contexts. In adults, angiogenesis is typically limited to specific situations such as wound healing, whereas in cancer, it is often dysregulated, leading to excessive and abnormal blood vessel growth. Tumors exploit both sprouting angiogenesis, which involves the formation of new vessels from existing ones, and non-sprouting angiogenesis, or intussusception, which involves the splitting of existing vessels. Despite significant advances in understanding these processes, current anti-angiogenic therapies, primarily targeting the VEGF/VEGF receptor-2 axis, face challenges such as resistance and toxicity. Tumor micro-environment factors like hypoxia and immune cell cytokines activate alternative angiogenesis pathways, and aggressive tumors may develop vascular mimicry, forming vessel-like structures without endothelial cells. This phenomenon is often exacerbated by anti-angiogenic treatments, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to target multiple regulators of tumor vasculature to improve therapeutic outcomes.This research topic aims to explore recent advancements in the pharmacological targeting of tumor vasculature, focusing on the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can enhance patient outcomes. The goal is to address the limitations of current VEGF-directed therapies by investigating alternative pathways and mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and vascular mimicry. By understanding these complex processes, the research seeks to develop innovative strategies that can overcome resistance and reduce toxicity, ultimately leading to more effective cancer treatments.To gather further insights into the complexities of tumor vasculature targeting, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes: • Pharmacological manipulation of the tumor vasculature.• Predictive vascular tumor biomarkers with clinical application.• Accidental angiogenesis inhibitors.• Innovative multi-targeting approaches to curtail tumor vascularization.• Mechanisms of resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors.• Immune modulators and anti-angiogenic drugs.• Therapeutic targeting of vascular mimicry in cancer.• Vascular normalization in cancer treatment.'Manuscripts evaluating plant and fungal extracts for pharmacological activity need to be submitted through the 'Ethnopharmacology' section. All the manuscripts submitted to the collection through this path will need to fully comply with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version here). Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool, and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. Please note the traditional context including the primary background and modern uses with supporting references must be included in the manuscript introduction. Purely in silico approaches using complex mixtures (extracts) are generally not considered.