Do anti-angiogenic cancer therapies increase risk of significant weight loss?
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Updated: May 2, 2026

Preparation Of Neovascular Tissues from Human Glioma Tissues for Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Tumor Angiogenesis
Published on: March 20, 2026
Shuang Zhang1, Min Yu, Yuquan Wei
1Sichuan University, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center , Chengdu 610041 , China.
Introduction:
Angiogenesis is important in many disease states such as cancer. Anti-angiogenic cancer drugs are in broad use for the treatment of cancers. However, currently most of these anticancer drugs result in some adverse effects in the patient.
Areas Covered:
In this paper, we review evidence on the association between anti-angiogenic therapies and weight loss. We report on basic experiments and clinical trials that measure weight loss with anti-angiogenic cancer therapies.
Expert Opinion:
Few strong associations are found between anti-angiogenic cancer therapies and weight loss, with the exception of some multikinase inhibitors in clinical trials. Anti-angiogenic cancer therapies appear safe in relation to weight loss, but the result needs to be established by further clinical trials.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic cancer therapies generally do not cause significant weight loss, offering a favorable safety profile. However, some multikinase inhibitors in clinical trials showed a potential association, requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Angiogenesis plays a critical role in various diseases, notably cancer.
- Anti-angiogenic drugs are widely used in cancer treatment.
- Current anti-angiogenic therapies can lead to patient adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking anti-angiogenic therapies with weight loss.
- To analyze data from basic experiments and clinical trials on weight changes during anti-angiogenic cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating anti-angiogenic therapies and weight loss.
- Analysis of data from preclinical experiments and human clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Limited strong associations between most anti-angiogenic cancer therapies and weight loss were identified.
- An exception was noted for certain multikinase inhibitors evaluated in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenic cancer therapies demonstrate a generally safe profile concerning weight loss.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to definitively establish the relationship between these therapies and weight changes.
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