Vasculogenic mimicry

Anti-angiogenic drugs are used as an established approach of malignant neoplasms therapy. It has been established that the development of the phenomenon of vasculogenic mimicry — a specific variant of tumor neoangiogenesis, which is formed in highly aggressive solid tumors, is associated with a decrease in the effectiveness of antitumor therapy. This review highlights the mechanisms of development of vasculogenic mimicry in malignant neoplasms, which is one of the alternative options for tumor blood supply. In the formation of vasculogenic mimicry, an important role is assigned to the tumor microenvironment, primarily tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts. The signaling pathways that regulate the formation of vasculogenic mimicry channels in tumors have been characterized. The prospects for a targeted impact on molecular targets that initiate and promote vasculogenic mimicry, the impact on which can increase the effectiveness of antitumor therapy, are shown. The review discusses experimental studies of the mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry formation in malignant neoplasms and the prospects for targeted action on molecules that are components of signaling cascades involved in the development of this model of neoangiogenesis.