Understanding the basic genetic at the origin of astrocytoma development and elucidating the biological mechanisms by which these create tumor behavoir are the key to the development of new therapies for this disease. One of the essential that permit tumor growth is the de novo elaboration of an intricate irrigation system which will supply oxygen and nutrients, eliminate waste products and provide paracrine growth stimulation. This is achieved by a process called neovascularization, where new blood vessels are formed from preexisting ones in response to tumor-delivered stimuli. The balance of two types of molecules (angiogenenic stimulators and inhibitors) regulates the switch from angiostasis which prevails in normal brain to neovascularization which is characteristic of tumor growth. The involvment of some of the molecular players (p53/GD-AIF, VEGF, IL-8) important for the neovascular development accompanying astrocytoma progression will be presented. Finally, the relevance of these findings for the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches will be discussed.
