Where do antiangiogenic agents belong in the treatment algorithm for ovarian cancer?

Don S Dizon1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI.

Insights

Novel antiangiogenic agents show promise for ovarian cancer treatment. Bevacizumab improved progression-free survival, and other agents are in clinical trials for advanced disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epithelial ovarian cancer with advanced disease has a poor prognosis despite chemotherapy response.
  • Angiogenesis plays a critical role in ovarian tumorigenesis and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of antiangiogenic agents in ovarian cancer treatment.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of novel agents like bevacizumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed and oncology congress abstracts.
  • Identification of relevant clinical trials evaluating antiangiogenic agents.

Main Results:

  • Bevacizumab (antiangiogenic monoclonal antibody) demonstrated progression-free survival benefit in first-line and maintenance therapy.
  • Phase II data suggest therapeutic potential for multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • Antiangiogenic therapy is a promising strategy for ovarian cancer.
  • Ongoing trials will determine the optimal use of these agents in treatment algorithms.

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