Angiogenic and Cell Therapies

Since Judah Folkman first described the process of angiogenesis in 1971, much has been learned about the cells, the extracellular factors, and the signaling pathways that modulate the angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and vasculogenesis. Promising preclinical studies led to trials of angiogenic factors and cell therapies for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the last 2 decades. Early stage trials have provided evidence for safety and bioactivity; however, the field still awaits a positive phase 3 pivotal trial. In this review, we will provide an outline regarding the vascular response to ischemia in animal models and in humans. We will discuss what has been learned from the clinical trials of cell therapy and angiogenic factors Peripheral Artery Disease Compendium