Antiangiogenic therapy in the management of breast cancer

Yuan Wu1, Wei-li Sun, Ji-feng Feng

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China.

Insights

Antiangiogenic therapies are improving breast cancer outcomes. This review covers current progress and future directions for antiangiogenic treatment in breast cancer patients, aiming for maximum clinical benefit and minimal side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, plays a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis.
  • Targeting tumor angiogenesis has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer treatment.
  • Antiangiogenic therapies aim to inhibit the blood supply essential for tumor survival and proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current advancements in antiangiogenic therapy for breast cancer management.
  • To highlight the clinical efficacy and progress of various antiangiogenic agents in breast cancer patients.
  • To discuss future therapeutic developments for optimizing clinical benefits and mitigating adverse effects.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of clinical studies and research on antiangiogenic therapies in breast cancer.
  • Analysis of data from recent clinical trials evaluating antiangiogenic agents.
  • Synthesis of information on the role of angiogenesis in breast cancer biology.

Main Results:

  • Clinical studies demonstrate significant improvements in outcomes for breast cancer patients treated with antiangiogenic agents.
  • Several antiangiogenic therapies have shown efficacy in managing breast cancer.
  • Understanding angiogenesis is key to developing effective breast cancer treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Antiangiogenic therapy represents a significant advancement in breast cancer treatment.
  • Continued research is crucial for refining antiangiogenic strategies to maximize patient benefit.
  • Future development should focus on personalized approaches to minimize side effects and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

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...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
Mechanism of Angiogenesis01:10

Mechanism of Angiogenesis

Blood vessel formation starts early during embryonic development, around day 7. In the extraembryonic yolk sac, mesodermal precursor cells called hemangioblast proliferate and differentiate into angioblast. Angioblasts express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 or VEGFR2, which binds VEGF-A, a proangiogenic factor, guiding blood vessel formation. VEGF signaling promotes angioblasts to form a blood island in the developing embryo. Angioblasts further differentiate, giving rise to...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
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...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...