Angiogenesis and Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80% of all lung cancers. Despite improvements in treatment protocols the survival rate in NSCLC remains poor. An improved understanding of cancer biology has led to the investigation of angiogenesis in NSCLC development and progression by intratumoral microvessel count or expression of angiogenic markers. The prognostic significance of several frequently assessed angiogenic factors and current antiangiogenic strategies which proved to be particularly promising in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for clinical management of NSCLC are here reviewed.