Scientists identify cells necessary for tumor an...( sel walls. These expressed a different ...)

So what is the role of VEGF in signaling bone marrow-derived precursor cells and is it necessary and sufficient for new tumor angiogenesis? This study found increased VEGF levels in the blood of wild type mice with tumors caused VEGFR1+ hematopoietic cells and VEGFR2+ circulating endothelial precursor cells to move into circulation and create early blood vessels. Tumors were then targeted either with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to VEGFR1 alone; with monoclonal antibodies to VEGFR2 alone; and to both. The targeting of either VEGFR1 or VEGFR2 partially blocked the growth of tumors. However, it was necessary to inhibit both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 to completely block tumor formation. VEGFR1+ hematopoietic cells and VEGFR2+ circulating endothelial precursor cells were mobilized in wild-type mice but not in the Id deficient mice.

"This study provides further indication of the importance of the Id genes in cancer development. They are detected in both cancer cells and in mobilized circulating endothelial cells," said Dr. Benezra, head of a laboratory in the Cell Biology Program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and one of the study's senior authors. "Presence of these circulating cells is a potential marker for early cancer detection. We hope that this assay could be useful for diagnosing minimal residual disease." The American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, the Doris Duke Foundation, the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, Imclone Systems, and Angiogenex funded this work.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world's oldest and largest private institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research, and education in cancer. Our scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose and treat cancer. Our specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the lates
'"/>

Contact: Joanne Nicholas
nicholaj@mskcc.org
212-639-3573
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
31-Oct-2001