[Anti-angiogenic drugs]

Angiogenesis or neovascularization, the formation of neo-vessels, is a physiological phenomenon endued in vasculature, but is involved in various pathological conditions including cancers and ocular diseases. Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and metastasis, whereas angiogenesis is the major cause of blindness in the adult. Bevacizumab, a neutralizing anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, is developed as the first anti-angiogenic drug in 2004. Thereafter, various drugs targeting VEGF-mediated signals have been developed to control tumor angiogenesis. Thus, anti-angiogenic drugs are now recognized in the clinic as a major step forward for the treatment of cancers and ocular diseases. This review focuses on the current status of anti-angiogenesis treatment.