Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis as therapeutic strategies for postnatal neovascularization

Abstract

The therapeutic implications of angiogenic growth factors were identified by the pioneering work of Folkman 2 decades ago (1). His laboratory’s work documented the extent to which tumor development was dependent upon neovascularization and suggested that this relationship might involve angiogenic growth factors that were specific for neoplasms. Subsequent investigations have established the feasibility of using recombinant formulations of such angiogenic growth factors to expedite and/or augment collateral artery development in animal models of myocardial and hindlimb ischemia. This novel strategy for the treatment of vascular insufficiency was termed therapeutic angiogenesis (2). More recent data suggests that the basis for native and therapeutic neovascularization is not restricted to angiogenesis but includes postnatal vasculogenesis as well. Data supporting these notions, as well as derivative concepts and concerns, are the subject of this Perspective.