Oncogenes and angiogenesis: a way to personalize anti-angiogenic therapy?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Oncogenic mutations and angiogenesis are critical hallmarks of cancer.
• These processes have traditionally been studied as independent events in tumor progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the intricate association between activated oncogenes and deregulated angiogenesis.
• To propose targeting oncogenes within tumor cells as a strategy for normalizing tumor vasculature and enhancing therapeutic effects.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on oncogene activation and angiogenesis.
• Discussion of the mechanisms by which oncogene inhibition impacts tumor vasculature.
• Exploration of personalized anti-angiogenic therapy based on tumor-specific genetic alterations.

Main Results:

• Activated oncogenes are tightly linked to aberrant angiogenesis due to perturbations in the pro- and anti-angiogenic balance.
• Pharmacological inhibition of oncogenes in tumor cells can restore functional vasculature via a bystander anti-angiogenic effect.
• Tumor-specific genetic alterations suggest potential for personalized anti-angiogenic therapies targeting individual oncogenes.

Conclusions:

• Targeting oncogenes within tumor cells offers a promising strategy for normalizing the tumor vascular network.
• This approach may lead to more efficient and sustained therapeutic outcomes compared to direct targeting of tumor vessels.
• Personalized anti-angiogenic therapy, guided by tumor-specific oncogenic profiles, holds potential for improved cancer treatment.