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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
09:03

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Published on: November 23, 2014

Tumor and stromal pathways mediating refractoriness/resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies

Yongping Crawford1, Napoleone Ferrara

  • 1Genentech, Incorporated, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|October 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Resistance to anti-VEGF therapies can occur due to tumor and stromal cells. Understanding these pathways is crucial for overcoming treatment refractoriness in cancer and macular degeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis.
  • Anti-angiogenic drugs targeting VEGF have advanced cancer and neovascular age-related macular degeneration therapies.
  • Resistance to anti-VEGF therapies can lead to disease recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of tumor- and stromal cell-derived pathways in tumor growth.
  • To examine mechanisms of refractoriness to anti-VEGF therapies.
  • To understand cellular contributions to treatment resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental models.
  • Analysis of tumor cell-intrinsic resistance mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of stromal cell-mediated resistance pathways.

Main Results:

  • Both tumor and non-tumor (stromal) cells contribute to resistance.
  • Specific cellular pathways in tumors and stroma can reduce treatment responsiveness.
  • Understanding these pathways is key to improving therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor and stromal cell pathways are critical in anti-VEGF therapy resistance.
  • Targeting these pathways may overcome acquired resistance.
  • Further research into cellular mechanisms can enhance treatment efficacy.

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