Targeted therapies of cancer: angiogenesis inhibition seems not enough

Ilse Roodink1, William P J Leenders

  • 1Dept. of Pathology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. I.Roodink@pathol.umcn.nl

Cancer Letters
|October 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Targeting tumor endothelium offers therapeutic potential for tumor regression. Combining anti-angiogenic and vascular targeting therapies may improve outcomes by addressing both new and existing tumor vasculature.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Tumor growth relies on neovasculature formation and incorporation of existing vessels.
  • Anti-angiogenic therapies primarily target newly formed vasculature, leaving mature vessels unaffected.
  • Depriving tumors of blood supply is crucial for inducing regression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies for targeting tumor endothelium.
  • To discuss the limitations of anti-angiogenic therapies in clinical settings.
  • To highlight the potential of vascular targeting therapy for tumor regression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on tumor endothelium targeting.
  • Analysis of anti-angiogenic therapy mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
  • Exploration of vascular targeting strategies for tumor regression.

Main Results:

  • Tumor endothelium presents a viable therapeutic target for inducing tumor regression.
  • Anti-angiogenic therapies have limitations in addressing mature tumor vasculature.
  • Vascular targeting therapy offers a complementary approach to anti-angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting tumor endothelium is a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
  • A combination of anti-angiogenic and vascular targeting therapies may enhance efficacy.
  • Addressing the pitfalls of current therapies is essential for clinical success.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Mechanism of Angiogenesis01:10

Mechanism of Angiogenesis

Blood vessel formation starts early during embryonic development, around day 7. In the extraembryonic yolk sac, mesodermal precursor cells called hemangioblast proliferate and differentiate into angioblast. Angioblasts express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 or VEGFR2, which binds VEGF-A, a proangiogenic factor, guiding blood vessel formation. VEGF signaling promotes angioblasts to form a blood island in the developing embryo. Angioblasts further differentiate, giving rise to...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...