The cells that make up the lining of blood vessels are called endothelial cells. Cancer cells release chemicals that cause angiogenesis by prompting the endothelial cells to grow, divide, and make new blood vessels. Many different substances seem to cause angiogenesis.

As more blood vessel cells are made, the tumor cells and the blood vessel cells feed each other's growth. The blood vessels bring needed nutrients allowing the tumor to grow. At the same time, the tumor cells release their chemical messengers directly into the blood. This causes more blood vessels to be made to support more tumor growth. .

Last Medical Review: 03/10/2009
Last Revised: 03/10/2009

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