Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The capacity of malignant tumours to metastasize to distant tissues presents a huge problem for the treatment of cancers using conventional surgical and cytotoxic drug therapies. One of the main routes for tumour spread is via the lymphatic vessels, an important conduit for tumours such as breast, lung and gastrointestinal tract that frequently colonize regional lymph nodes. In comparison with the vasculature however, little is known about the biology of tumour lymphatics, tumour lymphangiogenesis or the mechanisms that regulate entry and subsequent migration of tumour cells within lymphatic vessels. This situation has persisted because of the lack of specific molecular markers with which to visualize even normal lymphatics within tissues or to isolate lymphatic endothelial cells for in vitro experimental analysis. Just recently however, novel markers for lymphatic endothelial cells have been identified and their availability has revolutionized research in this field. In this article we highlight the main characteristics of these markers and review recent progress in their use to study tumour lymphangiogenesis.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Anticancer Res

Publication Date

11/2001

Volume

21

Pages

4279 - 4283

Keywords

Animals, Biomarkers, Tumor, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Lymphatic System, Neoplasms