ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the history and background leading to the discoveries of how new blood vessels are generated, a physiological process known as angiogenesis. Surgeon John Hunter first used the term “angiogenesis” in 1787, and his studies along with those of early angiogenesis pioneers including Karl Thiersch and Rudolph Virchow in the 1800s in Germany are described. The work of twentieth-century angiogenesis researchers is detailed, including the studies of Edwin Goldmann, Paul Ehrlich, and later, Harry Greene, who first noticed an important relationship between tumors and neovascularization (newly formed blood vessels). Finally, the seminal contributions of Judah Folkman and his work that led to the identification of key angiogenesis factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and others, and the receptors that they interact with are discussed. This chapter explains the important relationship between the basic biochemical research and the timeline toward the development of crucial new cancer treatments that interfere with the process of angiogenesis.
