Tumor Microenvironment & Angiogenesis

Through its unwavering support and recognition of pioneering scientists, NFCR continues to drive innovation and knowledge in the fields of tumor microenvironment (TME) and angiogenesis research, paving the way for transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment and patient care. Dr. Harold F. Dvorak, supported by NFCR, discovered tumor cells’ secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pioneering angiogenesis research. His findings led to anti-angiogenic treatments like Avastin. Dr. Isaac P. Witz demonstrated communication between tumor cells and microenvironment’s importance, challenging the cancer cell-centric view and advancing immunotherapy understanding. Dr. Beatrice Mintz’s groundbreaking work established cancer as a developmental aberration. She demonstrated the significance of microenvironments in stem cell behavior, with tumor stem cells normalizing in healthy environments. Dr. Rakesh K. Jain introduced the concept of ‘normalizing’ abnormal tumor vessels through anti-angiogenic approaches, enhancing drug delivery and efficacy. His work significantly influences immunotherapy combinations and broadens perspectives on cancer treatment and other diseases, reshaping therapeutic strategies based on TME interactions.

Select a Researcher Below to Learn More about their contributions to Tumor Microenvironment & Angiogenesis Breakthroughs

Dr. Harold F. Dvorak

Dr. Harold F. Dvorak is best known for his contributions to the field of tumor biology, revolutionizing our understanding of the tumor microenvironment by discovering vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This pivotal discovery elucidated the mechanisms behind tumor-induced angiogenesis, the process by which tumors form new blood vessels to fuel their growth. VEGF has since become a central target in anti-angiogenic cancer therapies. Dr. Dvorak’s groundbreaking work has not only deepened our knowledge of tumor biology, but also paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at curbing tumor vascularization — proving invaluable in the ongoing fight against cancer. NFCR honored Dr. Dvorak with the inaugural Szent-Gyòrgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research in 2006.
Dr. Isaac P. Witz’s

Dr. Isaac P. Witz’s illustrious career spans more than 50 years of breakthrough observations on the critical importance of tumor microenvironment in the biology of the cancer cell, its growth and advancement to metastasis. For paving the foundation of the TME, NFCR honored Dr. Witz with the 2023 Szent-Gyòrgyi Prize. His seminal work demonstrated that humoral immune components localized in the tumor microenvironment can impact tumor biological functions and growth. His discoveries paved the foundation for certain aspects of contemporary immunotherapy, ultimately benefiting cancer patients and advancing scientific steps toward finding cures for cancer.
Dr. Beatrice Mintz

Dr. Beatrice Mintz achieved remarkable breakthroughs spanning developmental genetics, gene-transfer technology, embryology, epigenetics and tumor microenvironment. Notably, Dr. Mintz pioneered the first chimeric mice by combining early, genetically distinct mouse embryos, allowing her to further illuminate how local cellular environments guide behavior. She ingeniously demonstrated that transferring early carcinoma stem cells to a fitting normal environment stabilizes their development. In 2011, NFCR honored Dr. Mintz with the Szent-Gyòrgyi Prize.
Dr. Rakesh K. Jain

Dr. Rakesh K. Jain is known for his pioneering work in overcoming barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME). With NFCR support, Dr. Jain’s studies have shed light on how blood vessels, lymphatic vasculature, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix and immune cells in tumors create a hostile environment that fuels tumor progression. Dr. Jain’s anti-angiogenic approach normalizes abnormal tumor vessels for better delivery and efficacy of anti-cancer medicines. Dr. Jain’s contributions have not only enhanced our comprehension of cancer progression, but also influenced therapeutic strategies to target these interactions. Dr. Jain was honored by NFCR with the 2022 Szent-Gyòrgyi Prize.

In the mid-1970s, retired high school biology teacher from Brooklyn, NY, Anthony (Tony) Pratt wanted to do something about the metastatic breast cancer that took his mother’s life. He read an article about Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi’s goal to eradicate cancer. He wrote to Dr. Szent-Györgyi expressing his desire to support the pioneer’s basic research. A grateful letter from Dr. Szent-Györgyi suggested Tony send any contributions to the National Foundation for Cancer Research. And Tony and his wife Marjorie made the first of their monthly donations to NFCR which continue to this day.

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