Understanding Tumor Growth

When talking about tumor growth, the process by which abnormal cells multiply and form masses that can invade surrounding tissue. Also known as cancer progression, it is a complex biological event that relies on several supporting mechanisms. One of the most critical supporters is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that feed the expanding tumor, while oncogenes, mutated genes that push cells to divide uncontrollably act as the internal engines. Together they create a fertile environment where the tumor can thrive, spread, and resist the body’s defenses. This tag page gathers the most relevant articles that explain how these pieces fit together and what doctors can do about them.

Tumor growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires a supply line, a set of rogue signals, and a way to dodge the immune system. The supply line comes from angiogenesis, which delivers oxygen and nutrients; without it, tumors stay small and eventually die. The rogue signals stem from oncogenes like KRAS or MYC, which hijack normal cell‑growth pathways and keep the division cycle turning. At the same time, the tumor microenvironment—fibroblasts, immune cells, and extracellular matrix—re‑shapes itself to protect the mass and help it move to new sites, a process called metastasis. Understanding these interactions is essential because every successful therapy aims to interrupt at least one of them. Chemotherapy, for example, targets rapidly dividing cells, striking at the heart of oncogene‑driven proliferation, while radiation therapy damages DNA in tumor cells, limiting their capacity to grow and recruit new vessels. Emerging approaches like anti‑angiogenic drugs and immunotherapies add more tools to the fight, each addressing a different facet of the growth puzzle.

Core Concepts and Practical Takeaways

Putting all the pieces together, you can see three main pillars that shape tumor growth: (1) genetic drivers such as oncogenes and tumor‑suppressor loss, (2) vascular support through angiogenesis, and (3) the surrounding micro‑environment that either hinders or helps expansion. Articles in this collection break down each pillar with real‑world examples—how a drug like tranexamic acid might affect bleeding risk in cancer patients, why calcium balance matters for bone‑loving tumors, and what the environmental impact of manufacturing anticancer agents looks like. You’ll also find side‑by‑side comparisons of common treatments, from classic chemotherapy agents to newer targeted options, so you can gauge benefits, risks, and costs. By the end of the list, you’ll have a clearer picture of why tumor growth behaves the way it does and which interventions are most likely to stop it in its tracks. Dive into the posts below for deeper insights, practical guidelines, and up‑to‑date research findings.