Neoangiogenesis is the essential process that allows solid tumors, including breast cancer, to grow and spread. This mini-review describes the impact of the formation of new blood vessels in breast cancer development and progression. In particular, it illustrates the relation between neoangiogenesis inhibition and tumor dormancy and the role of neoangiogenesis activation in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The review also examines the relation between microRNAs (miRNAs) expression and neoangiogenesis activation with particular attention for the miRNAs activated in response to hypoxia. The second part of the review summarizes the contribution of neoangiogenesis evaluation in breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis and it discusses the possible clinical applications of miRNAs expression profile. Finally, it illustrates and discusses current and innovative approaches aimed to inhibit angiogenesis activation.

Angiogenesis, breast cancer, diagnosis, microRNA, prognosis, therapy

Department of Work Medicine “Clinica del Lavoro L. Devoto”, Section of Medical Statistics and Biometry “G.A. Maccacaro”, University of Milano, via Vanzetti 5, 20133 Milano, Italy.