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Molecular predictors of response to antiangiogenesis therapies
Armin Gerger1, Melissa LaBonte, Heinz-Josef Lenz
1Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis is a crucial component of tumor growth and metastasis. Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway represents therapeutic potentials for treating cancer. To date, 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved agents targeting angiogenesis have been developed, bevacizumab, sunitinib, and sorafenib. However, no validated biomarkers are available to identify those patients who are likely to benefit from antiangiogenesis therapy. Molecular biomarker research in antiangiogenesis inhibition is an actively growing field. Although current data are extremely promising, it is still uncertain which biomarker(s) can reliably predict their efficacy. With increasing numbers of inhibitors being developed, the need for biomarkers is more critical than ever. This review will focus on translational research that strives to identify molecular biomarkers (tissue, circulating and genomic) for approved antiangiogenesis therapies that can indicate benefit, resistance, and toxicity.
Insights
Identifying biomarkers for antiangiogenesis therapies is critical for cancer treatment. This review explores molecular biomarkers to predict patient response, resistance, and toxicity to these vital cancer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for tumor growth and metastasis.
- Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway offers therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
- Approved antiangiogenesis drugs include bevacizumab, sunitinib, and sorafenib, but patient selection remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review translational research focused on identifying molecular biomarkers for antiangiogenesis therapies.
- To explore biomarkers that can predict patient benefit, resistance, and toxicity.
- To highlight the growing need for validated biomarkers as new inhibitors are developed.
Main Methods:
- Review of current translational research on molecular biomarkers.
- Focus on tissue, circulating, and genomic biomarkers.
- Analysis of biomarkers for approved antiangiogenesis agents.
Main Results:
- No validated biomarkers currently exist to reliably predict patient response to antiangiogenesis therapy.
- Research is actively identifying promising molecular biomarkers.
- The efficacy of biomarkers in predicting benefit, resistance, and toxicity is still under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Validated biomarkers are urgently needed to optimize the use of antiangiogenesis therapies in cancer treatment.
- Further translational research is crucial to identify reliable predictive biomarkers.
- Biomarker discovery is essential for personalized antiangiogenesis treatment strategies.
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