Role of vascular endothelial growth factors in pathogenesis of soft tissue sarcomas: literature review

Abstract

During tumor growth, one of the leading functions in providing oxygen and nutrients to the neoplasm belongs to the system of its angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major inducer of angiogenesis and appears to be a key modulator of the antitumor response. Indeed, VEGF modulates the innate and adaptive immune response through direct interaction with the tumor and indirectly through modulation of protein expression on endothelial cells or vascular permeability. This review provides the main characteristics of the VEGF family, ligands and their receptors. The role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of soft tissue sarcomas and their relapses is discussed, and possible therapeutic approaches in the treatment of these tumors, directed at the VEGF system, are considered.