Related Experiment Videos
Drug inhibition of angiogenesis
Srinivasan Madhusudan1, Adrian L Harris
1Cancer Research UK, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Oxford, The Churchill, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, OX3 7LJ, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. Though advances in cancer therapy and diagnosis have considerably improved life expectancy, the overall survival rate of patients still remains poor - disseminated cancer at presentation and acquisition of tumour resistance are two reasons for this. Angiogenesis is one of the crucial steps in the pathogenesis of tumours. Drug inhibition of angiogenesis is an area of intense research and at least 10000 cancer patients worldwide have received some form of experimental antiangiogenic therapy. More than 300 angiogenesis inhibitors have been discovered to date; 80 antiangiogenic drugs are currently in clinical trials, 12 of which target the key angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor. A convincing regression of tumours has been reported for drugs against this target. Antiangiogenic therapy has raised the hopes both of cancer sufferers and of the physicians looking after them. A concerted international effort by cancer researchers and the pharmaceutical industry will help to further develop this novel treatment strategy for cancer.
Insights
Antiangiogenic therapy, which inhibits tumor blood vessel growth, offers new hope for cancer patients. Research into these therapies, particularly targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, is advancing cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with poor survival rates often due to late-stage diagnosis and treatment resistance.
- Tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a critical process in cancer development and progression.
- Despite advances, significant challenges persist in improving patient survival rates for various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of antiangiogenic therapies for cancer treatment.
- To highlight the progress and potential of inhibiting tumor angiogenesis as a therapeutic strategy.
- To discuss the role of specific targets, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in antiangiogenic drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research and clinical trial data on antiangiogenic drugs.
- Analysis of the discovery and development of angiogenesis inhibitors.
- Focus on drugs targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.
Main Results:
- Over 300 angiogenesis inhibitors have been discovered, with 80 currently in clinical trials.
- A significant number of these drugs (12) specifically target vascular endothelial growth factor.
- Experimental antiangiogenic therapy has been administered to over 10,000 cancer patients worldwide, showing promising tumor regression.
Conclusions:
- Inhibiting angiogenesis is a promising therapeutic strategy for combating cancer.
- Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor has shown particular efficacy in inducing tumor regression.
- Continued international collaboration between researchers and the pharmaceutical industry is crucial for advancing antiangiogenic therapy.