Stromatogenesis and angiogenesis, two essential processes of tumor invasion in malignant epithelial neoplasms - A brief review of planocellular skin carcinoma

Abstract

Each neoplasm creates its own unique micro-environment in which the tumor grows and modifies. Although majority of host cells in the neoplasm stroma have obligatory tumor suppression ability, the stroma changes during the malignant process and even promotes growth, invasion and metastasis. The genetic changes that occur during cancer evolution, driven by malignant cells, lead to changes in the stroma of the host. At the same time angiogenesis occurs, and formation of new vascular net from the existing normal capillaries. The stroma in the neoplasm does not only give mechanical support to the tumor, but also provides metabolically rich and active environment where the cancer cells survive and multiply. It also contributes to tumor growth and through the newly formed vascular pathways enables further guidance to the circulation, so that the four features of the cancers are achieved: migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The understanding of the molecular events in the process of stromatogenesis and angiogenesis is essential for clinical research.