From anti-angiogenesis to anti-lymphangiogenesis: emerging trends in cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Cancer Biology
• Vascular Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The concept of targeting tumor angiogenesis, or blood vessel formation, emerged in the 1970s.
• Anti-angiogenesis therapy, targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been validated through animal models and clinical trials.
• Insights from angiogenesis research have advanced understanding of molecular mechanisms in vascular networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the molecular mechanisms controlling lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels.
• To investigate the potential of anti-lymphangiogenesis as a cancer therapy, drawing parallels with anti-angiogenesis strategies.
• To evaluate the role of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in tumor progression and metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical research on angiogenesis and its therapeutic implications.
• Identification of molecular regulators of lymphangiogenesis, including VEGF-C and VEGF-D.
• Analysis of preclinical data from animal models investigating the inhibition of lymphangiogenesis.

Main Results:

• Lymphangiogenesis is regulated by VEGF-C and VEGF-D, which are linked to various human cancers.
• Inhibition of lymphangiogenesis in animal models suggests it hinders tumor cell metastasis via lymphatic spread.
• Extensive preclinical and clinicopathological data support the potential efficacy of anti-lymphangiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Anti-lymphangiogenesis represents a promising, yet untested clinically, therapeutic strategy for cancer.
• The success of anti-angiogenesis has paved the way for considering anti-lymphangiogenesis targeting.
• Targeting both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis may offer novel approaches for cancer treatment.