Novel antiangiogenic therapies in ovarian cancer

Ashley Stuckey1, Don S Dizon

  • 1The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, The Program in Women's Oncology, Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA. astuckey@wihri.org

Insights

Epithelial ovarian cancer frequently recurs, necessitating novel treatments. Angiogenesis inhibition, like with bevacizumab, shows promise for improving outcomes in ovarian cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Epithelial ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women.
  • Most patients experience recurrence despite initial platinum and taxane chemotherapy.
  • Angiogenesis is a critical factor in ovarian cancer development, progression, and poor prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer.
  • To evaluate the role of angiogenesis inhibition in ovarian cancer treatment.
  • To discuss the current landscape and future directions for ovarian cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on ovarian cancer treatment and angiogenesis.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for novel agents, including bevacizumab.
  • Discussion of emerging therapeutic targets and strategies.

Main Results:

  • Bevacizumab, a VEGF-targeted antibody, demonstrated progression-free survival benefit in Phase III trials when combined with first-line chemotherapy and as maintenance.
  • Various novel agents targeting angiogenesis and other pathways are under investigation.
  • The strategy of inhibiting angiogenesis is a promising approach for ovarian cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting angiogenesis is a viable and promising strategy for treating epithelial ovarian cancer.
  • Bevacizumab offers a proven benefit in specific ovarian cancer treatment settings.
  • Further research into novel agents and targets is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...