Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Preparation Of Neovascular Tissues from Human Glioma Tissues for Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Tumor Angiogenesis
Published on: March 20, 2026
Current status of antiangiogenic therapies for glioblastomas
Isabel Arrillaga-Romany1, David A Reardon, Patrick Y Wen
1Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology , 55 Fruit Street, Yawkey, MA 02114 , USA.
Introduction:
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, lacks effective long-term treatment. The tumor is dependent on neovascularization for survival, making angiogenesis an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. The exact mechanism underlying the effects of antiangiogenic agents on GBM remains debatable, although it likely involves vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and other proangiogenic growth factors. Early studies in the recurrent GBM setting were promising and prompted two multinational randomized phase three trials (AVAglio and RTOG 0825) investigating the effect of bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, in newly diagnosed GBM.
Areas Covered:
In this article, the authors discuss the basic mechanisms of angiogenesis and antiangiogenic resistance. The authors additionally summarize the current state of clinical research and how it will impact both future research and the development antiangiogenic therapies.
Expert Opinion:
The ultimate utility of antiangiogenic therapy in the management of GBM remains unclear. In an effort to improve outcomes, there remains an urgent need to better understand the biology underlying angiogenesis and tumor survival, as well as mechanisms of antiangiogeneic resistance. Ultimately, combinatorial approaches using antiangiogenic agents, targeted molecular therapy, immunotherapy or cytotoxics may be needed to improve treatment outcomes.
Insights
Antiangiogenic therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) shows promise for glioblastoma (GBM) but faces resistance. Further research into resistance mechanisms and combination therapies is crucial for improving GBM treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Therapy
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited effective treatments.
- Tumor neovascularization (angiogenesis) is critical for GBM survival, making it a therapeutic target.
- Antiangiogenic agents, like bevacizumab, target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) but their precise mechanisms and efficacy in GBM are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of angiogenesis and antiangiogenic resistance in GBM.
- To summarize current clinical research on antiangiogenic therapies for GBM.
- To discuss the future impact of this research on therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Review of basic angiogenesis and antiangiogenic resistance mechanisms.
- Summary of clinical trial data for antiangiogenic agents in GBM.
- Discussion of future research directions and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Early studies of bevacizumab in recurrent GBM were promising.
- Phase three trials (AVAglio, RTOG 0825) investigated bevacizumab in newly diagnosed GBM.
- The overall utility of antiangiogenic therapy in GBM management is still uncertain.
Conclusions:
- The effectiveness of antiangiogenic therapy for GBM requires further investigation.
- Understanding angiogenesis and resistance mechanisms is essential for improving GBM treatment.
- Combination therapies involving antiangiogenic agents, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or cytotoxics may be necessary for better outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:49Cancer Therapies
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...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers