Abstract
Introduction
Functions of vascular endothelial cells in the body
Molecular control of tumour growth‐related angiogenesis
Role of growth factors VEGF and FGF‐2
Role of integrins
Role of the extracellular matrix
Role of subendothelial support cells
Angiogenesis assays and models
Endothelial cell sources
Functional assays with endothelial cells
Cell growth assays
Adhesion and migration assays
In vitro angiogenesis assays
In vivo assays to study angiogenesis and targeting of angiogenic blood vessels
Tumour vasculature targeting and pre‐clinical experience
Growth factor receptor targeting
VEGF receptor targeting
Other growth factor receptors used for targeting strategies
Endoglin targeting
Targeting integrins to tumour vasculature
Tumour vasculature‐specific blood coagulation induction
Other potential targets
Tumour vasculature targeting potentials: extrapolation of animal studies to the human situation
Summary and future perspectives