The role of microenvironment in tumor angiogenesis

Tumor microenvironment is essential for tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis through its provision of survival signals, secretion of growth and pro-angiogenic factors, and direct adhesion molecule interactions. This review examines its importance in the induction of an angiogenic response in tumors and in multiple myeloma. The encouraging results of pre-clinical and clinical trials in which tumors have been treated by targeting the tumor microenvironment are also discussed.