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Anti-angiogenic treatment strategies for malignant brain tumors
M Kirsch1, G Schackert, P M Black
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurochirurgie, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. matthias.kirsch@mailbox.tu-dresden.de
Abstract:
The use of angiogenesis inhibitors may offer novel strategies in brain tumor therapy. In contrast to traditional cancer treatments that attack tumor cells directly, angiogenesis inhibitors target at the formation of tumor-feeding blood vessels that provide continuous supply of nutrients and oxygen. With respect to brain tumor therapy, inhibitors of angiogenesis display unique features that are unknown to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. The most important features are independence of the blood-brain barrier, cell type specificity, and reduced resistance. Malignant brain tumors, especially malignant gliomas, are among the most vascularized tumors known. Despite multimodal therapeutic approaches, the prognosis remains dismal. Thus, angiogenesis inhibitors may be highly effective drugs against these tumors. In a clinical setting, they could be applied in the treatment of multiple tumors or postsurgically as an adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence. This article provides an overview of current anti-angiogenic treatment strategies with emphasis on substances already in clinical trials or candidate substances for clinical trials. The cellular and molecular basis of these substances is reviewed.
Insights
Angiogenesis inhibitors offer new brain tumor treatments by blocking tumor blood vessel growth. These agents bypass the blood-brain barrier, showing promise for difficult-to-treat malignant gliomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors, particularly gliomas, are highly vascularized, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Traditional cancer treatments face challenges in brain tumor therapy, including the blood-brain barrier and drug resistance.
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for tumor growth and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current anti-angiogenic treatment strategies for brain tumors.
- To highlight substances currently in clinical trials or under consideration for trials.
- To discuss the cellular and molecular basis of these anti-angiogenic agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on angiogenesis inhibitors in brain tumor therapy.
- Focus on agents with potential clinical applications, including those in clinical trials.
- Examination of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Angiogenesis inhibitors target tumor-feeding blood vessels, offering a distinct approach from direct tumor cell attack.
- Key advantages include independence of the blood-brain barrier, cell type specificity, and reduced resistance.
- These inhibitors show significant potential for treating highly vascularized brain tumors like malignant gliomas.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic avenue for brain tumors, especially malignant gliomas.
- Their unique properties suggest efficacy as standalone treatments or adjuvant therapy post-surgery.
- Further clinical investigation of these agents is warranted for improved patient outcomes.
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