Assessing metastasis risk after pre-operative anti-angiogenic therapy
Daniela Biziato1, Michele De Palma1
1The Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Anti-angiogenic drugs are approved for the treatment of several cancer types, generally in the inoperable locally advanced or metastatic setting and in combination with other anti‐cancer agents. Recent clinical studies also suggest that anti‐angiogenic drugs can be useful in the pre‐operative (neoadjuvant) setting, by facilitating the shrinkage of the primary tumour and its surgical resection. However, the effects of neoadjuvant anti‐angiogenic therapy on the ability of tumours to form distant metastases are unclear. In this issue of EMBO Molecular Medicine, Ebos et al (2014) present carefully performed pre-clinical studies in mice that analyse the effects of pre-operative anti-angiogenic therapy on tumour metastasis and survival.
Insights
Pre-operative anti-angiogenic therapy may reduce primary tumor size but could potentially increase the risk of distant metastasis. Further research is needed to understand the full impact on cancer patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Anti-angiogenic drugs are established treatments for advanced cancers, often combined with other therapies.
- Emerging evidence suggests neoadjuvant anti-angiogenic therapy can aid tumor shrinkage and surgical resection.
- The impact of neoadjuvant anti-angiogenic therapy on distant metastasis formation remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pre-operative anti-angiogenic therapy on tumor metastasis.
- To evaluate the influence of neoadjuvant anti-angiogenic treatment on overall survival in a preclinical cancer model.
Main Methods:
- Pre-clinical studies were conducted using mouse models.
- The study analyzed the effects of anti-angiogenic therapy administered before surgical tumor removal.
- Tumor metastasis and animal survival were carefully monitored.
Main Results:
- Neoadjuvant anti-angiogenic therapy demonstrated an impact on primary tumor growth and metastasis.
- Specific findings regarding the balance between primary tumor control and metastatic potential were observed.
- Survival data indicated potential trade-offs associated with this therapeutic approach.
Conclusions:
- Pre-operative anti-angiogenic therapy presents a complex scenario regarding cancer treatment.
- While potentially beneficial for primary tumor management, its effects on metastatic spread require careful consideration.
- Further investigation is warranted to optimize neoadjuvant anti-angiogenic strategies and improve patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
09:42Assessing Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Doorway-Mediated Vascular Permeability Associated with Cancer Cell Dissemination using Intravital Imaging and Fixed Tissue Analysis
Published on: June 26, 2019
07:48Assessing Therapeutic Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia
Published on: June 8, 2019