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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Antiangiogenic agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in clinical development
Laura Sepp-Lorenzino1, Kenneth A Thomas
1Department of Cancer Research, Merck Research Laboratories, WP26-462, West Point, PA 19486, USA. laura_sepplorenzino@merck.com
Abstract:
There is ample therapeutic opportunity for the use of antiangiogenic inhibitors in the clinic, as there are several human diseases that are dependent upon angiogenesis [1]. However, no disease has attracted as much attention as a target for antiangiogenic therapy as malignant disorders. There is a vast amount of literature acting as proof-of-principle for the use of angiogenic inhibitors as effective agents for blocking tumour-induced angiogenesis and subverting tumour growth and disease dissemination. One of the unique attractions of targeting tumour angiogenesis is that vascular endothelial cells are a genetically stable population in which acquisition of therapeutic resistance might be less efficient than in genetically unstable tumour cells [2,3]. This review covers inhibitors that target the tumour angiogenic agent vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors as one such antiangiogenic approach. Many agents in this class are in clinical trials with limited reports of toxicity and some early evidence of clinical benefit.
Insights
Antiangiogenic inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) show promise for treating cancers by blocking tumor angiogenesis. These agents are in clinical trials, demonstrating early benefits with limited toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.
- Antiangiogenic therapies offer a therapeutic strategy for various diseases, particularly malignant disorders.
- Targeting tumor angiogenesis is attractive due to the genetic stability of vascular endothelial cells, potentially reducing therapeutic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review antiangiogenic inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors.
- To discuss the potential of these inhibitors in blocking tumor-induced angiogenesis and controlling tumor progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antiangiogenic inhibitors.
- Focus on agents targeting the VEGF pathway.
Main Results:
- Proof-of-principle exists for using angiogenic inhibitors to block tumor angiogenesis and dissemination.
- Agents targeting VEGF and its receptors are in clinical trials.
- Early clinical data suggest limited toxicity and some evidence of clinical benefit.
Conclusions:
- Inhibitors targeting the VEGF pathway represent a significant antiangiogenic approach for cancer therapy.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to establish the efficacy and safety of these agents.
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