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Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) in Mice Following Nephrectomy
Published on: April 29, 2014
Angiogenesis and angiogenic inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma
Rishi Sawhney1, Fairooz Kabbinavar
1Division of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10945 LeConte Avenue, Suite 2333D, Box 957059, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. fkabbina@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract:
In most patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of clear cell subtype, there is inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor-suppressor gene, which leads to a proangiogenic state with overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This molecular level knowledge has led to the development of multiple antiangiogenic therapies directed against the VEGF protein or the VEGF receptor. These therapies have significant clinical activity in metastatic RCC. Therefore, a therapeutic strategy based on targeting VEGF in RCC has a sound molecular basis and therapy with VEGF-targeting agents has significant clinical activity. To further improve efficacy, future research should focus on better identification of patients who will most benefit from such therapy. We reviewed the published literature regarding angiogenesis, the VHL gene, VEGF biology, and antiangiogenic therapies in metastatic RCC. This article reviews the role of angiogenesis in RCC and summarizes data regarding antiangiogenic therapy in metastatic RCC.
Insights
Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) offers effective treatment for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Future research aims to identify patients who best respond to these antiangiogenic therapies for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often involves inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene.
- VHL gene inactivation promotes a proangiogenic state characterized by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of angiogenesis in RCC.
- To summarize the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapies targeting VEGF in metastatic RCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on angiogenesis, VHL gene, VEGF biology, and antiangiogenic therapies in metastatic RCC.
Main Results:
- Antiangiogenic therapies targeting VEGF have demonstrated significant clinical activity in metastatic RCC.
- The molecular basis for targeting VEGF in RCC is well-established due to VHL gene inactivation.
Conclusions:
- VEGF-targeting agents represent a key therapeutic strategy for metastatic RCC.
- Further research is needed to identify patient subgroups who will benefit most from antiangiogenic therapy.
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