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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
09:04

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Published on: March 15, 2016

[Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy: a new cause of secondary hypertension]

Alexandre Hertig1

  • 1Urgences néphrologiques et transplantation rénale, Inserm U702, hôpital Tenon, 75020 Paris. alexandre.hertig@tnn.aphp.fr

La Revue Du Praticien
|June 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Anti-angiogenic therapies targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway are crucial for treating advanced cancers. However, these treatments can cause an endothelial syndrome, presenting as hypertension and proteinuria, which is manageable with antihypertensive drugs.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Nephrology

Context:

  • Anti-angiogenic therapies targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway are vital in advanced cancer treatment.
  • These therapies have been used in humans for less than a decade.
  • Neo-angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression.

Purpose:

  • To describe the occurrence and characteristics of an endothelial syndrome associated with anti-VEGF cancer therapy.
  • To compare this syndrome to preeclampsia.
  • To recommend management strategies for this treatment complication.

Summary:

  • A significant percentage of patients (approx. 25%) receiving anti-VEGF therapy develop an endothelial syndrome.
  • This syndrome is characterized by hypertension and glomerular proteinuria.
  • The condition shares pathophysiological similarities with preeclampsia.
  • Mild to moderate cases can be managed with antihypertensive medication, while severe cases may necessitate treatment cessation.

Impact:

  • Highlights a common and significant side effect of a major cancer treatment modality.
  • Provides a framework for understanding and managing this iatrogenic syndrome.
  • Suggests a therapeutic approach to mitigate treatment-related toxicity, potentially allowing continued cancer therapy.

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