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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Circulating biomarkers for vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma
Amado J Zurita1, Eric Jonasch, Hua-Kang Wu
1Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1374, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. azurita@mdanderson.org
Abstract:
In recent years, there has been significant progress in the clinical development and application of antiangiogenic therapies in renal cell carcinomas, particularly inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Despite this progress, no validated methods are currently available for identifying which patients are most likely to respond to treatment or experience toxic effects, selecting the optimal dose, or determining whether the intended molecular target has been effectively inhibited. However, recent studies have suggested that some of the biomarkers currently under investigation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma for VEGF pathway inhibitors are promising. These biomarkers include circulating proangiogenic factors and receptors; markers of hypoxia and endothelial damage; and cellular populations in peripheral blood, such as circulating endothelial cells. Further preclinical and translational validation studies are still needed to determine their practical utility in the clinical setting.
Insights
Identifying biomarkers for antiangiogenic therapies in renal cell carcinoma is crucial. Promising biomarkers are being investigated to predict treatment response and toxicity for VEGF pathway inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antiangiogenic therapies targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway have advanced in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment.
- Current limitations include the lack of validated methods for patient selection, dose optimization, and efficacy monitoring for these therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising biomarkers for predicting response and toxicity to VEGF pathway inhibitors in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
- To highlight the need for further validation of these biomarkers in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies investigating biomarkers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
- Focus on biomarkers related to VEGF pathway inhibition.
Main Results:
- Several promising biomarkers are under investigation, including circulating proangiogenic factors and receptors.
- Markers of hypoxia, endothelial damage, and peripheral blood cell populations (e.g., circulating endothelial cells) show potential.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers are essential for personalizing antiangiogenic therapy in renal cell carcinoma.
- Further preclinical and translational studies are required to establish the clinical utility of these promising biomarkers.
