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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
Implantation of Fibrin Gel on Mouse Lung to Study Lung-specific Angiogenesis
Published on: December 21, 2014
Angiogenesis and lung cancer: prognostic and therapeutic implications
Roy S Herbst1, Amir Onn, Alan Sandler
1Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 432, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. rherbst@mdanderson.org
Abstract:
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide, with most patients dying with metastatic disease. The prognosis for the majority of patients remains poor. It is evident that advances in the treatment of this and other tumor types will require new approaches, and recent research has focused on molecular-targeted therapies. A key therapeutic strategy is inhibition of specific processes essential for tumor vascular development (a concept known to be beneficial in colorectal cancer) and a range of such antiangiogenic agents are currently in development. The most promising of these target the proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), either by preventing VEGF-receptor binding or inhibiting downstream receptor signaling. However, other more direct approaches against tumor vasculature are also in development. Since antiangiogenic agents often exert an indirect, cytostatic effect, many are being evaluated in combination with conventional chemotherapies in order to optimize the anticancer effects of both strategies. Additionally, the combination of several antiangiogenic agents is also being explored. This has become possible given the large number of agents currently available. As part of this evaluation process, the assessment of surrogate markers of target inhibition and treatment effect is ongoing in the hope of identifying reliable surrogate markers to aid the development of this new generation of anticancer agents.
Insights
New antiangiogenic therapies targeting tumor vascular growth, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), show promise for lung cancer. Combinations with chemotherapy and other antiangiogenic agents are being explored to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, frequently presenting with metastatic disease and a poor prognosis.
- Current treatment paradigms necessitate novel therapeutic strategies, with a growing focus on molecular-targeted therapies.
- Tumor angiogenesis, crucial for metastatic spread, presents a key target for novel anticancer interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging antiangiogenic therapies for cancer treatment.
- To explore the role of targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer therapy.
- To discuss the combination of antiangiogenic agents with conventional chemotherapy and other antiangiogenic drugs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on antiangiogenic agents targeting tumor vasculature.
- Focus on agents inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways.
- Evaluation of combination strategies involving antiangiogenic therapies and chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Antiangiogenic agents, particularly those targeting VEGF, are under development for various cancers.
- Combination therapies combining antiangiogenic agents with chemotherapy or other antiangiogenic drugs are being investigated.
- Development of surrogate markers for target inhibition and treatment efficacy is crucial for advancing these therapies.
Conclusions:
- Targeting tumor angiogenesis, especially via VEGF inhibition, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer and other malignancies.
- Combination approaches are essential for maximizing the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents.
- Identifying reliable surrogate markers is critical for the successful clinical development of novel antiangiogenic therapies.
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