In contrast,
other angiogenic factors such as transforming growth factor ß (TGFbeta)
and angiopoietins induce angiogenesis through stabilization of the
vasculature. Key issues in this field are to identify new molecular
targets of the angiogenic cascade and to determine the exact effect
of anti-angiogenic molecules in different tumour models.
To address
these questions our Group of Angiogenesis in the Translational Research
Laboratory, in the Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO),
Hospital Duran i Reynals are taking advantage of the joint presence
of basic and clinical research in our institution. We combine basic
research, designed to identify new angiogenic and anti-angiogenic
pathways, with translational studies, directed toward the analysis
of the clinical impact of angiogenesis inhibitors.
Basic studies:
Studies focus on the mechanisms involved in the pro-angiogenic
effect of VEGF and in the stabilization of vessels by TGFbeta, looking
for new genes involved in these processes in endothelial cells.
Role of the EGF receptors in angiogenesis combining endothelial
cell culture and germinal tumor studies.
Angiogenic phenotype in subcutaneous tumours caused by mutations
of the Ras oncogene.
Tumor invasion in transgenic mouse models of cancer.
Our translational studies are aimed at improving angiogenic
therapies:
Relationship between angiogenesis and invasion in human gliomas.
Anti-angiogenesis in an orthotopic mouse model of human pancreatic
tumours: Metronomic dosing of chemotherapeutic agents.
Mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies in animal
models and human tumors.
Surrogate markers in anti-angiogenic trials.
All these studies are performed in collaboration with
our clinical staff with the objective of transferring the benefits
of our research to the patients with as little delay as possible.
