Angiogenesis begins when a tumor becomes large enough where it needs increase the supply of nutrients and oxygen it receives. Low oxygen levels (hypoxia) trigger the tumor and its surrounding environment to release signals that result in the growth of blood vessels towards and into the tumor. These new vessels supply oxygen and nutrients that allow the tumor to continue growing.(1)
Because the development of blood vessels is so important in tumor growth and is a target of some cancer treatments, we have created separate section on angiogenesis.
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