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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Vascular endothelial growth factor a inhibition in gastric cancer
Do Joong Park1, Nicholas J Thomas, Changhwan Yoon
1Department of Surgery, Gastric and Mixed Tumor Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis is a vital process in the progression and metastasis of solids tumors including gastric adenocarcinoma. Tumors induce angiogenesis by secreting proangiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and VEGF-A inhibition has become a common therapeutic strategy for many cancers. Several drugs targeting the VEGF-A pathway have been approved for clinical use in selected solid tumors, and several anti-VEGF-A strategies have been examined for gastric cancer. Phase II studies suggested that bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, can increase the efficacy of chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer, but two international phase III trials failed to show an overall survival benefit. Two more recent international phase III trials have examined ramucirumab, an antibody targeting the primary receptor for VEGF-A, as second-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer and found a survival benefit both as single agent therapy and when combined with chemotherapy. Finally, correlative science studies suggest that the VEGF-A pathway may have varying importance in gastric cancer progression depending on ethnicity or race. This article will review the preclinical and clinical studies on the role of the VEGF-A pathway inhibition in gastric cancer.
Insights
Targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) pathway shows promise in advanced gastric cancer. Ramucirumab, an anti-VEGF-A receptor antibody, demonstrated survival benefits in clinical trials for gastric adenocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Angiogenesis, driven by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), is crucial for solid tumor progression and metastasis.
- VEGF-A pathway inhibition is a recognized therapeutic strategy in oncology.
- Gastric adenocarcinoma is a significant solid tumor where angiogenesis plays a key role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical studies on VEGF-A pathway inhibition in gastric cancer.
- To evaluate the efficacy of anti-VEGF-A strategies in advanced gastric cancer.
- To discuss the role of VEGF-A in gastric cancer progression and potential ethnic variations.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical research on VEGF-A pathway inhibition.
- Analysis of clinical trial data, including Phase II and Phase III studies.
- Examination of correlative science studies investigating ethnic or racial differences.
Main Results:
- Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, showed potential in Phase II trials but failed to demonstrate survival benefits in Phase III trials for advanced gastric cancer.
- Ramucirumab, targeting the VEGF-A receptor, provided a survival benefit as a second-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer, both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy.
- Correlative studies indicate potential ethnic or racial variations in the importance of the VEGF-A pathway.
Conclusions:
- VEGF-A pathway inhibition is an evolving therapeutic strategy for advanced gastric cancer.
- Ramucirumab represents a promising targeted therapy for advanced gastric cancer, offering survival advantages.
- Further research is needed to understand the influence of ethnicity/race on VEGF-A pathway targeted therapies in gastric cancer.
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