Infantile hemangiomas: A look back and future directions

Over the past 10 years, there have been significant advancements in our understanding of the biology and natural history of infantile hemangiomas (IH). Research into their pathogenesis has led to many new discoveries including the first mouse model recapitulating hemangioma growth and genes such as the vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR) which may be intimately involved in their proliferation. Large prospective studies have born out important data on the natural history, complications and structural associations of these fascinating vascular tumors. In addition, new therapies have emerged which appear to be very effective. In the following article, a summary of major contributions over the past decade is outlined.