The role of growth factors in tumour growth and progression has increasingly been studied over the last few years. This review summarizes the available data and discusses their limitations as well as their potential influence on future therapeutic strategies. A large body of data suggests an important role of EGF, TGF-beta, PDGF and VEGF ligands and receptors in the vascularization of several brain tumour types, including gliomas and meningiomas. Recent experimental data indicate that inhibition of the signalling pathways may represent promising therapeutic strategies. Some inhibitory agents have now entered clinical trials, mainly for recurrent gliomas. Early results are presented.