Assays to evaluate tumor angiogenesis

Abstract Angiogenesis is essential not only for tumor growth, but it also provides a channel for dissemination of tumor cells to distant sites. Studies for its inhibition is a major area of therapeutic development in cancer. Several efforts have been made in the development of assays to study the multifaceted processes underlying tumor angiogenesis. These assays and methods help to assess the angiogenic process qualitatively and quantitatively with precision and reproducibility. The choice of the appropriate angiogenic assay is critical for the screening and development of many antiangiogenic agents. This chapter describes different assays and techniques based on the endothelial cell function in vitro and in vivo. These angiogenesis assessment assays can be utilized to investigate and develop anticancer therapeutics targeting angiogenesis.