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Anti-angiogenesis and angioprevention: mechanisms, problems and perspectives
D Bisacchi1, R Benelli, C Vanzetto
1Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Institute-Genova (IST), Genova, Italy.
Abstract:
The recognition that angiogenesis is a key early event in tumor progression and metastasis has led to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. The generation of a new blood vessel network under physiological conditions is regulated by the concerted action of activators and inhibitors. Perturbation of this balance, as it occurs in solid tumor growth and metastasis, appears to be a critical point in tumorigenesis. This has led to the "angiogenic switch" hypothesis: the point at which a tumor acquires the potential to induce angiogenesis is a critical step towards malignancy. Based on experimental evidence, prevention of blood vessel development appears to be the mechanism of action of many successful chemopreventive drugs of natural or synthetic origin: a novel concept that we termed "angioprevention". The hypothesis that anti-angiogenesis is at the basis of tumor prevention also suggests that many anti-angiogenic drugs could be used for chemoprevention in higher risk populations or in early intervention. There is a growing body of experimental evidence that anti-angiogenic strategies will contribute to the future therapy of cancer, several compounds with anti-angiogenic properties are now under clinical investigation including anti-inflammatory compounds, as inflammation may play a key role in angiogenesis. We must persevere in the development of novel, powerful and safer angiogenesis inhibitors and in the use of anti-angiogenic drugs in combination with other natural or synthetic anti-cancer agents in a biological therapy strategy.
Insights
Tumor growth and metastasis depend on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Inhibiting this process, termed angioprevention, offers a novel strategy for cancer therapy and chemoprevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for tumor progression and metastasis.
- The balance of activators and inhibitors regulates physiological blood vessel generation, but this balance is disrupted in tumors.
- The "angiogenic switch" hypothesis posits that a tumor's ability to induce angiogenesis is a critical step toward malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept of "angioprevention"—using anti-angiogenic strategies for cancer prevention.
- To investigate the potential of anti-angiogenic drugs for chemoprevention in high-risk populations.
- To highlight the role of anti-angiogenesis in future cancer therapy and biological treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental evidence supporting the anti-angiogenic mechanism of chemopreventive drugs.
- Analysis of the "angiogenic switch" hypothesis in tumorigenesis.
- Examination of clinical investigations into anti-angiogenic compounds, including anti-inflammatory agents.
Main Results:
- Many chemopreventive drugs appear to function by preventing blood vessel development (angioprevention).
- Anti-angiogenic strategies show promise for chemoprevention in at-risk individuals and early intervention.
- Anti-angiogenic compounds, including anti-inflammatory agents, are under clinical investigation for cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenesis is a viable strategy for both cancer prevention (chemoprevention) and therapy.
- Further development of novel, potent, and safer angiogenesis inhibitors is warranted.
- Combining anti-angiogenic drugs with other anti-cancer agents may enhance biological therapy strategies.