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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1
Published on: December 5, 2020
Emerging therapies: angiogenesis inhibitors for ovarian cancer
Amanda L Jackson1, Eric L Eisenhauer, Thomas J Herzog
1University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology , 222 Piedmont Ave, Suite 4100, Cincinnati, OH 45219 , USA.
Introduction:
Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) have a high rate of recurrence, and overall survival remains at ∼ 25%. There is a need for new treatments that can increase progression free survival and quality of life. Recent clinical trials focus on angiogenesis, VEGFs, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors that play a role in recurrence, metastasis, and ascites in EOC.
Areas Covered:
This review summarizes clinical rationale, mechanisms of action, and clinical data for angiogenesis inhibitors under evaluation in Phase II and III trials for EOC. Anti-angiogenesis agents reviewed in this paper include aflibercept, bevacizumab, cediranib, fosbretabulin, imatinib, nintedanib, pazopanib, saracatinib, sorafenib, sunitinib, and trebananib.
Expert Opinion:
These agents have particular rationale for potential use in EOC due to the molecular changes associated with EOC tumorigenesis, namely a significant increase in angiogenic activity. Due to the costs and toxicities associated with anti-angiogenics, biomarker or molecular signature selection strategy for patients who will most benefit would be ideal but no such strategy has been validated to date.
Insights
New treatments targeting angiogenesis are being investigated for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) to improve survival. While promising, selecting patients who will benefit most from these anti-angiogenic therapies remains a challenge.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has a high recurrence rate and poor overall survival.
- Current treatments lack efficacy in improving progression-free survival and quality of life.
- Angiogenesis, VEGFs, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are implicated in EOC progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical rationale and data for angiogenesis inhibitors in EOC.
- To summarize mechanisms of action for various anti-angiogenic agents.
- To discuss the potential role of these agents in managing EOC.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of Phase II and III clinical trials.
- Analysis of anti-angiogenesis agents including aflibercept, bevacizumab, and others.
- Summary of clinical data and mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Several anti-angiogenesis agents are under evaluation for EOC.
- These agents target the increased angiogenic activity observed in EOC.
- Clinical trial data is being gathered to assess efficacy and safety.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenic therapies show promise for EOC due to increased tumor angiogenesis.
- Cost and toxicity are significant considerations for these treatments.
- Validated biomarkers for patient selection are currently lacking.
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