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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1
Published on: December 5, 2020
Where do antiangiogenic agents belong in the treatment algorithm for ovarian cancer?
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI.
Abstract:
Although epithelial ovarian cancer responds well to chemotherapy, patients presenting with advanced disease still have a poor prognosis. The clear role of angiogenesis in the development and progression of ovarian tumorigenesis has led to the development of several novel antiangiogenic agents; however, questions remain as how to best incorporate such agents into current treatment algorithms. Searches of PubMed (terms: angiogenesis, VEGF, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, bevacizumab and ovarian cancer) and of recent results from key oncology congresses (terms: drug names and ovarian cancer) were performed to identify relevant articles and abstracts. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate investigational antiangiogenic agents as a component of first-line chemotherapy, as a treatment option for recurrent disease, and as maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer. The antiangiogenic monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has demonstrated a progression-free survival benefit in combination with first-line paclitaxel/carboplatin and continued as maintenance therapy, and phase II data suggest therapeutic potential for several multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors in ovarian cancer, with phase III results forthcoming for BIBF 1120, cediranib, and pazopanib. Antiangiogenic therapy remains a promising strategy for ovarian cancer, and it is hoped that results from ongoing trials will inform their optimal placement in the treatment paradigm.
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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