When a tumour grows, new blood vessels are formed that supply the tumour with nutrients and oxygen. However, these vessels are often malfunctioning and fluids and other molecules leak out of the vessels. This results in edema in the tissues, which in turn makes it more difficult for drugs to reach into the tumour during cancer therapy. The malfunctioning vessels can also contribute to the spread of metastases from the tumour.
The leakage from the blood vessels is controlled by specific protein complexes that connect the cells in the blood vessel walls. By regulating these protein complexes, the cells are joined more or less tightly, which affects the leakage from the vessels.
Recent findings from Uppsala University show how a specific alteration of the protein complex in the vessel walls can reduce leakage, without affecting any other vessel functions.