Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors in malignant gliomas

Glioblastomas are highly vascularized tumors. Treatment strategies targeting angiogenesis have demonstrated promising results in preclinical studies and clinical trials in patients with malignant gliomas. Anti-VEGF agents, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have been associated with reduction in vasogenic brain edema, and prolonged progression-free survival. Larger prospective clinical trials are needed to validate these results, and to assess the impact of these agents on overall survival. Unfortunately, antiangiogenic treatment inevitably fails in most patients. Further studies are needed to understand the molecular pathways that enable a tumor to evade antiangiogenic therapy.