endothelial cells in cancer

Endothelial cells line the inside of blood vessels and are crucial for forming new vessels, a process called angiogenesis. In cancer, tumors stimulate these cells to grow new blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients, supporting tumor growth and spread. This abnormal blood vessel formation can also create a chaotic environment, aiding cancer cells in invading other tissues. Understanding endothelial cells in cancer helps researchers develop therapies that inhibit new blood vessel growth, effectively starving tumors and limiting their progression.