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Updated: May 27, 2026
09:03
Modified In Vivo Matrix Gel Plug Assay for Angiogenesis Studies
Published on: June 30, 2023
Anti-angiogenic therapy: concept to clinic
Robin J Young1, Malcolm W R Reed
1Academic Unit of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Anti-angiogenic therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) show promise for cancer treatment but have marginal benefits and side effects. Biomarkers are crucial for identifying suitable patients to improve treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Folkman's hypothesis 40 years ago proposed anti-angiogenic therapy for cancer.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key driver of tumor angiogenesis.
- VEGF-targeting drugs like bevacizumab, sunitinib, and sorafenib offer therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and limitations of current anti-angiogenic therapies in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the need for patient selection biomarkers in anti-angiogenic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on anti-angiogenic therapies and VEGF-targeting drugs.
- Analysis of clinical benefits, side effects, and resistance patterns.
Main Results:
- Anti-angiogenic agents have shown limited benefits in unselected patient populations.
- Harmful side effects and rapid development of drug resistance are significant challenges.
- Current therapies often fail to meet initial high expectations.
Conclusions:
- Patient selection biomarkers are essential for the future success of anti-angiogenic cancer therapies.
- Personalized approaches are needed to optimize the use of VEGF inhibitors.
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