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Antiangiogenesis therapy. Current and future agents
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts, USA. mkieran@dfci.harvard.edu
Abstract:
Approaches to cancer therapy for most tumors in adults and children have changed little in 50 years: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are standard for many solid tumors. When the concept of angiogenesis in cancer biology was introduced in the 1970s, there was little recognition of the therapeutic potential of attacking a tumor's blood supply. Advances in understanding the molecular processes that regulate tumor blood supply and novel agents that can interfere with them have generated a great deal of scientific interest and excitement. This article reviews the current understanding of angiogenesis and its role in cancer then discusses new therapeutic options in animals and humans, with a focus on pediatric tumors and the potential for treating them.
Insights
Targeting tumor blood supply through anti-angiogenesis offers new cancer treatment strategies. This review explores advancements in understanding angiogenesis and its therapeutic potential, particularly for pediatric cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Traditional cancer therapies (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) have seen limited evolution over 50 years.
- The concept of tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels to feed tumors, was introduced in the 1970s.
- Early therapeutic potential of targeting tumor vasculature was not widely recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of angiogenesis in cancer biology.
- To discuss novel therapeutic strategies targeting tumor angiogenesis.
- To focus on the application and potential of anti-angiogenic therapies in pediatric tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on tumor angiogenesis.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating tumor blood supply.
- Discussion of emerging therapeutic agents and their clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Significant scientific interest and excitement surround advances in understanding and targeting tumor angiogenesis.
- Novel agents are being developed to interfere with the molecular processes of tumor vascularization.
- This review highlights the potential for treating various cancers, with a specific emphasis on pediatric malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Targeting tumor angiogenesis represents a promising frontier in cancer therapy.
- Further research and clinical trials are crucial for optimizing anti-angiogenic treatments.
- Anti-angiogenic approaches hold significant potential for improving outcomes in pediatric cancer patients.