In 1994, the Angiogenesis Foundation identified angiogenesis as a "common denominator" in society's most important diseases. Angiogenesis therapies - designed to "turn on" or "turn off" - are revolutionizing medicine by providing a unified approach for treating crippling and life-threatening conditions. Currently, more than 200 biotechnology, genomics, medical device companies' and major pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop new angiogenesis-based medicines.

For a more detailed description of angiogenesis and its importance in cancer research, view the "Understanding Angiogenesis" tutorial, from the National Cancer Institute's "Science Behind the News" series at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/angiogenesis