Feeder

Feeder is a term used in various contexts in the medical field. It can refer to a device that provides nutrients to patients who are unable to eat by themselves, or to a blood vessel that supplies a tumor with nutrients. This article will focus on the latter definition.

Definition

A feeder in the context of oncology is a blood vessel that directly supplies a tumor with nutrients. This is a crucial aspect of tumor growth and survival, as without a sufficient supply of nutrients, a tumor cannot grow or spread.

Role in Tumor Growth

Tumors require a constant supply of nutrients to grow and spread. This is achieved through the development of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. The feeder vessels play a crucial role in this process, as they are the primary source of nutrients for the tumor.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the role of feeder vessels in tumor growth has significant implications for cancer treatment. Therapies that target these vessels can potentially starve the tumor of nutrients, slowing or even stopping its growth. This is the basis for anti-angiogenic therapies, which aim to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

See Also

• Angiogenesis
• Tumor
• Cancer treatment

Feeder Resources
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