VEGFA and neoplasm: Tumor cells further utilize myeloid cells to create a pro-tumorigenic milieu by exploiting their ability to produce immune-regulating mediators (e.g., interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor), growth factors influencing tumor proliferation and vascularization (e.g., transforming growth factor–β and vascular endothelial growth factor), as well as matrix-degrading enzymes (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases) (5).