Tumor angiogenesis is the proliferation of a network of blood vessels that penetrates into cancerous growths, supplying nutrients and oxygen and removing waste products. Tumor angiogenesis actually starts with cancerous tumor cells releasing molecules that send signals to surrounding normal host tissue. This signaling activates certain genes in the host tissue that, in turn, make proteins to encourage growth of new blood vessels.
![What Is Tumor Angiogenesis?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917231721im_/http://www.cancer.gov/images/Documents/f6c397b6-8c9c-4f7d-bf33-abf75b7181a0/cancer3.jpg)
< Previous | Index | Next Slide > |