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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Modified In Vivo Matrix Gel Plug Assay for Angiogenesis Studies
Published on: June 30, 2023
[Development of novel angiogenesis inhibitors targeting VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) for cancer
Hideaki Kakeya1, Hiroyuki Osada
1Antibiotics Laboratory, Discovery Research Institute, RIKEN.
Abstract:
Recent progress in cancer biology has revealed that angiogenesis is a promising target for new anticancer drugs. Angiogenesis is tightly regulated by the balance between stimulatory and inhibitory angiogenic factors, and the imbalance of these regulators causes dysfunction of angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the best characterized pro-angiogenic factors, and multiple strategies have been studied to inhibit the pathway; i. e. production and secretion of VEGF receptor, VEGF binding to its receptor, tyrosine kinase activity of VEGF, and signaling pathway downstream induced by VEGF. In this article, the summary of function of VEGF family as well as recent promising drugs under clinical trials including bevacizumab (Avastin), a humanized monoclonal antibody developed against VEGF, and several small molecule inhibitors targeting VEGF function are described.
Insights
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a key target for cancer therapies. This review details vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, including bevacizumab, for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.
- The balance of angiogenic factors regulates blood vessel formation.
- Imbalances in angiogenesis contribute to cancer progression.
Purpose:
- To review the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis.
- To summarize current therapeutic strategies targeting the VEGF pathway.
- To discuss promising anti-angiogenic drugs in clinical trials.
Summary:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical pro-angiogenic factor.
- Inhibiting VEGF pathways offers a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
- Bevacizumab and small molecule inhibitors targeting VEGF are under clinical investigation.
Impact:
- Highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting angiogenesis in cancer.
- Provides an overview of novel anti-angiogenic drugs.
- Informs future research and development in cancer therapy.
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