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Angiogenesis in cancer: Anti-VEGF escape mechanisms

Gerald W Prager1, Marina Poettler1, Matthias Unseld1

  • 1Medical University of Vienna, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Department of Medicine I, Austria.

Translational Lung Cancer Research
|March 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Tumor angiogenesis, crucial for cancer growth, is targeted by anti-VEGF therapies. However, resistance and side effects necessitate understanding VEGF-independent angiogenesis mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Tumor-angiogenesis is vital for tumor growth, metastasis, and propagation.
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and its receptors are key drivers of tumor angiogenesis.
  • Current anti-VEGF therapies (bevacizumab, pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib) show limitations due to resistance and adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review VEGF-independent mechanisms of angiogenesis in cancer.
  • To explore anti-VEGF escape strategies employed by tumor cells and their microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in angiogenesis.
  • Examination of clinical data on anti-VEGF therapy response.

Main Results:

  • VEGF-independent pathways contribute significantly to tumor angiogenesis.
  • Tumor cells and the microenvironment develop resistance mechanisms to anti-VEGF treatments.
  • Alternative angiogenic pathways present potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding VEGF-independent angiogenesis is critical for overcoming treatment resistance.
  • Targeting alternative pathways may improve efficacy and reduce side effects of cancer therapy.
  • Further research into non-VEGF-driven angiogenesis is warranted for novel therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
VEGFangiogenesiscancerendothelial cells

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