Distinct from classical tumor angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) provides a blood supply for tumor cells independent of endothelial cells. VM has two distinct types, namely tubular type and patterned matrix type. VM is associated with high tumor grade, tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with malignant tumors. Herein, we discuss the recent studies on the role of VM in tumor progression and the diverse mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate VM in tumors. Furthermore, we also summarize the latest findings of non-coding RNAs, such as lncRNAs and miRNAs in VM formation. In addition, we review application of molecular imaging technologies in detection of VM in malignant tumors. Increasing evidence suggests that VM is significantly associated with poor overall survival in patients with malignant tumors and could be a potential therapeutic target.

中文翻译：

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致血管模拟在致癌作用和临床应用中。

与经典的肿瘤血管生成不同，血管生成模拟（VM）为独立于内皮细胞的肿瘤细胞提供血液供应。VM具有两种不同的类型，即管状类型和带图案的矩阵类型。VM与恶性肿瘤患者的高肿瘤分级，肿瘤进展，浸润，转移和不良预后有关。在本文中，我们讨论了关于VM在肿瘤进展中的作用以及调节肿瘤中VM的各种机制和信号传导途径的最新研究。此外，我们还总结了非编码RNA（如lncRNA和miRNA）在VM形成中的最新发现。此外，我们审查了分子成像技术在恶性肿瘤中VM检测中的应用。