Lymph Angiogenesis

Although the focus of most biological research is on molecular aspects, it is important not to forget the physical environment in which the molecules, cells and tissues interact. It is known that as a tumor grows outward, it can impinge and collapse vital structures such as the superior vena cava and the spinal cord. This same mechanical force caused by proliferating tumor cells also builds up inside of the growing tumor. The compressive mechanical force inside tumors is a solid stress, which is fundamentally different from the elevated fluid pressure found in tumors.

We have shown that the solid stress generated in growing tumors can cause the collapse of both blood and lymphatic vessels (Cite Padera Nature).

The collapse of lymphatic vessels by proliferating cancer cells may be the primary cause for the lack of functional intratumor lymphatics. Lymphatic vessel collapse occurs even in the very initial stages of tumor growth {Hagendoorn, 2006 #17}.