[Anti angiogenesis]

Based on presentations on the basic concepts and scientific rationale of anti-angiogenic approaches to cancer therapy and the possible applications in the area of prostate cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer it is easy to conclude that development of anti-angiogenic approaches into clinical therapies is extremely challenging. It is now well established that cancer growth is increased by angiogenic factors and that inhibition of angiogenesis decreases growth and metastatic potential. Anti-angiogenic effect can be obtained through interference with multiple targets. Further development of new strategies involving such novel cancer therapies requires wide reaching development of translational research abilities. However, for moving new therapies into the clinic same rigorous criteria need to be applied as is done for traditional therapies. Angiogenesis appear to be a critical factor for development of prostate, gastric, lung and breast cancers. Development of new anti-angiogenic treatment modalities might become very important in these diseases. A critical requirement for the successful clinical development will be the development of imaging techniques that can help evaluate the effect on blood vessel functionality. Such surrogate markers of anti-angiogenic effect will be essential for optimising molecules and doses.