[Tumor Angiogensis in Uveal Melanoma. Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)]

Neoplastic angiogenesis, as a process of forming new blood vessels, plays an important role in progression of cancer tumors and dissemination of metastases. New vessels can be formed in cancer tissue due to mutations of certain genes and under the influence of hypoxia. The process is mediated by locally delivered specific angiogenetic factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in stimulation of the vascular endothelial cells to their proliferation and migration. Intensity of neoplastic angiogenesis determines the rate and extent of tumor expansion, thus may heavily influence the outcome.