In this article, after a brief introduction on tumor angiogenesis and description of classical and non-classical pro-angiogenic factors, we review the role of EPO in tumor angiogenesis highlighting the different mechanisms activated by it to promote tumor growth and progression.
Loss of function by blocking EPO function using a pharmacological approach markedly increases antitumor activity of anti-VEGF drugs through inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.
The vascular effects of Epo would be relevant in tumor angiogenesis and the negative effect of Epo on tumor growth may be aggravated by its angiogenic activity.