Preface Tumor development and progression occur as a result of cumulative acquisition of genetic alterations affecting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. As a consequence of these alterations the arising tumor gains some fatal properties such as increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, resulting in a net accumulation of tra- formed cells. Once a critical volume is achieved, lack of oxygen and nutrients limits further growth. To overcome this obstacle, the tumor cells initiate a program focused on the formation of new blood vessels within the host tissue. This process is termed tumor angiogenesis and contributes to the progression of most solid tumors and the formation of metastases. Since its discovery more than 30 years ago by Dr. Judah Folkman, tumor angiog- esis has been proposed as an ideal target for novel tumor therapies. Today the first anti-angiogenic compounds are available for the treatment of patients but their s- cess in the clinic is rather limited when given as monotherapies. This is in contrast to many preclinical results which revealed a much higher efficacy of these therapeutics in appropriate animal models. The reasons for this discrepancy are manifold, one being the existence of more than one angiogenic signaling system capable of driving tumor angiogenesis. Therefore it is no surprise that the inhibition of just one system is not sufficient to block the formation of new blood vessels in patients.

Historical Overview

Tumor Angiogenesis: from Bench to Bedside
Mechanisms
Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis in Development
Guidance of Vascular and Neuronal Network Formation
The Angiogenic Switch in Tumorigenesis
Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Vascular Homeostasis Through the Angiopoietin / Tie System
Eph Receptors and Ephrins: Role in Vascular Development and Tumor Angiogenesis
The Role of the Neuropilins and Their Associated Plexin Receptors in Tumor Angiogenesis and Tumor Progression
Platelet-derived Growth Factor: Impact on Physiological and Tumor Angiogenesis
Hypoxia and Tumour Angiogenesis
Hypoxia and Angiogenesis in Glioblastomas
Endogenous Inhibitors of Angiogenesis
Thrombospondins and Angiogenesis
Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Heparanase
Vessel Maturation and Perivascular Cells
Adhesion Molecules in the Vascular Cell Cross-Talk
Homing and Differentiation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Molecular Players in Lymphangiogenesis
The Relationship Between Tumors and the Lymphatics: Consequences for Metastasis
Inflammation and Angiogenesis: Innate Immune Cells as Modulators of Tumor Vascularization
Arteriovenous Malformation in Mice and Men
Animal Models and Preclinical Anti-Angiogenic Studies
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Antibodies for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Antibodies for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy
Angiopoietin-2 Antagonists for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy
Anti-Angiogenic Therapy with Thrombospondins
The Use of Orthotopic Models to Validate Antivascular Therapies for Cancer
Vascular Tumor Targeting
Molecular Imaging of Targets and Therapeutics in Tumour Angiogenesis
Imaging of Tumor Angiogenesis and Antiangiogenesis
Visualization of Microcirculation and Anti-Angiogenic Tumor Therapy
Cellular Actions of Angiogenesis Inhibitors on Blood Vessels
Antiangiogenic Therapy for Normalization of Tumor Vasculature and Microenvironment
Metronomic Antiangiogenic Chemotherapy: Questions and Answers
Anti-Angiogenic Tumor Therapy in Clinical Studies
The Development of Avastin
Clinical Development of Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) VEGFR and RAF Inhibitor
Clinical Development of the VEGFR Signalling Inhibitor AZD2171
Clinical Development of Sunitinib Malate
The EGF(R) and VEGF(R) Pathways as Combined Targets for Anti-Angiogenesis Trials in Cancer Therapy
Imaging the Effect of Anti-Angiogenic Tumor Therapy in Clinical Studies
Vandetanib (ZACTIMA(TM); ZD6474): Preclinical and Clinical Development
Integrins: Targets for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy
Thalidomide in Multiple Myeloma
Surrogate Markers of Angiogenesis
Vascular Disrupting Agents in Cancer Therapy.