Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 Are Localized Primarily to the Vasculature in Human Primary Solid Cancers

Abstract

VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 are primarily localized to, and significantly upregulated on, tumor vasculature (blood and/or lymphatic) supporting the majority of solid cancers. The primary clinical mechanism of action of VEGF signaling inhibitors is likely to be through the targeting of tumor vessels rather than tumor cells. The upregulation of VEGFR-3 on tumor blood vessels indicates a potential additional antiangiogenic effect for dual VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3-targeted therapy.