Computer-assisted analysis of the microvasculature in untreated glioblastomas

Elucidation of the pathogenesis and biological significance of MVP in GBMs is essential for developing a rational treatment directed at the abrogation of neovascularization in these neoplasms. The present quantitative study illustrates the striking heterogeneity of the microvasculature in GBMs such that the number of vessels in many tumor areas does not exceed that of normal white matter. Thus, many regions of GBMs may not be overtly angiogenesis dependent and may be difficult to treat by anti-angiogenic therapy alone. Even in areas with florid MVP the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy is questionable since the contribution of these aberrant blood vessels to the functional circulation and thus to the viability and growth of GBMs is unclear.