How does angiogenesis contribute to cancer progression?

Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in cancer progression primarily through the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to tumors. As tumors grow, they require an increasing supply of these essential resources to support their rapid expansion. Angiogenesis allows the tumor to develop its own blood supply, which not only nourishes the tumor but also provides a route for cancer cells to enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, leading to metastasis.

This process is driven by various growth factors released by the tumor and surrounding tissues, promoting the growth of new capillaries. By facilitating tumor growth and survival, angiogenesis becomes a key factor in the transition from a benign to a malignant state in cancer development. Without adequate blood supply, tumors would struggle to grow beyond a certain size, making angiogenesis a critical target for cancer therapies aimed at starving the tumor of its needed resources.