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Published on: October 27, 2014
Current status of bevacizumab in advanced ovarian cancer
Federica Tomao1, Anselmo Papa, Luigi Rossi
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico "Umberto I," Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer, mainly because of the delay in diagnosis. Recently, much effort has been put into investigating and introducing novel targeted agents into clinical practice, with the aim of improving prognosis and quality of life. Angiogenesis is a possible target. The aim of this review is to investigate the most common molecular pathways of angiogenesis, which have provided novel targets for tailored therapy in patients with ovarian cancer. These therapeutic strategies include monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. These drugs have as molecular targets vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and angiopoietin. Bevacizumab was investigated in several Phase III studies, with interesting results. Today, there is strong evidence for introducing bevacizumab in the treatment of patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, further investigations and large clinical trials are needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of bevacizumab, the optimal duration and timing of treatment, and activity in association with other chemotherapeutic and targeted agents. It also is necessary to identify biologic factors predictive of efficacy to choose the most appropriate antiangiogenic agent in the integrated treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.
Insights
Targeted therapies, including bevacizumab, show promise for advanced ovarian cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis. Further trials are needed to optimize treatment and identify predictive biomarkers for personalized therapy.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Medical Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological cancer mortality, often due to delayed diagnosis.
- Novel targeted agents are being developed to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular pathways of angiogenesis as therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer.
- To evaluate targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, for ovarian cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of common molecular pathways in angiogenesis relevant to ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and angiopoietin.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data, particularly Phase III studies on bevacizumab.
Main Results:
- Angiogenesis pathways offer novel targets for tailored ovarian cancer therapy.
- Bevacizumab has demonstrated promising results in advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer.
- Evidence supports the use of bevacizumab in specific ovarian cancer patient populations.
Conclusions:
- Bevacizumab is a viable option for advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer treatment.
- Further research is essential to determine bevacizumab's optimal use, safety, and efficacy in combination therapies.
- Identifying predictive biomarkers is crucial for selecting appropriate anti-angiogenic agents in integrated treatment strategies for epithelial ovarian cancer.
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