Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2011; 17(1): 7-8
Published online Jan 7, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i1.7
Imaging techniques used for the real-time assessment of angiogenesis in digestive cancers
Adrian Săftoiu, Peter Vilmann
Adrian Săftoiu, Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Craiova, Dolj, 200349, Romania
Peter Vilmann, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Endoscopic Unit at Gentofte Hospital, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Author contributions: Săftoiu A and Vilmann P contributed equally to this paper.
Correspondence to: Adrian Săftoiu, Professor, MD, PhD, MSc, Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 2-4 Petru Rares, Craiova, Dolj, 200349, Romania. adrian.saftoiu@webmail.umfcv.ro
Telephone: +40-744-823355 Fax: +40-251-310287
Received: July 2, 2010
Revised: August 29, 2010
Accepted: October 6, 2010
Published online: January 7, 2011
Abstract

Angiogenesis has a critical role in primary tumor growth and the development of metastases. Several angiogenesis inhibitors were recently developed, being a very attractive target for digestive tumor therapy. However, individualized therapy should not only be based on the pre-treatment imaging evaluation, but also on sensitive monitoring of microvascular changes during treatment. State-of-the-art imaging techniques have the potential to visualize and characterize angiogenesis, although the technology and methodologies employed are recent and need further validation. The aim of this series of reviews was to analyze and enhance current knowledge and future perspectives about the real-time assessment of angiogenesis in digestive cancers, used for the longitudinal monitoring of the effects of chemo-radiotherapy (including anti-angiogenic therapies), as well as for the precise targeting of drugs through molecular-based drug-delivery systems.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Digestive cancers; Chemo-radiotherapy