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Updated: Apr 10, 2026
Preparation Of Neovascular Tissues from Human Glioma Tissues for Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Tumor Angiogenesis
Published on: March 20, 2026
An overview of angiogenesis inhibitors in Phase II studies for non-small-cell lung cancer
Sara Pilotto1, Silvia Novello, Umberto Peretti
1University of Verona Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Medical Oncology , P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37124, Verona , Italy +390 458 128 124 ; +390 458 027 410 ; emilio.bria@univr.it.
Introduction:
Angiogenesis plays a major role in the development and progression of solid tumors, including lung cancer. Although some anti-angiogenic agents have demonstrated a statistically significant advantage in terms of primary outcome in clinical trials, the reliable clinical benefit obtained with these drugs is still questionable and often quantitatively limited. To better clarify this complex scenario and definitively establish the concrete benefits of anti-angiogenic strategies in lung cancer, several clinical trials have been conducted with others currently ongoing.
Areas Covered:
In this review, the authors highlight the data ascertained from Phase II trials conducted in NSCLC patients who are treated with recently discovered innovative anti-angiogenic molecules. The authors also discuss older widely investigated anti-angiogenic drugs that have been repurposed or used in different contexts and combinations.
Expert Opinion:
Globally considered, the results of the countless clinical trials evaluating anti-angiogenic agents suggest that angiogenesis (with its molecules and pathways) represents a non-ideal druggable process for several biologically relevant reasons. Consequently, it is important that the conceptual development and clinical validation of anti-angiogenic agents is different from those employed for traditional target agents (i.e., erlotinib, gefitinib and crizotinib). Indeed, the development and validation of these agents still represents a major challenge for modern scientific research.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic therapies show limited clinical benefit in lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Further research is needed to develop novel strategies distinct from traditional targeted agents.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Angiogenesis is crucial for solid tumor growth, including lung cancer.
- Current anti-angiogenic agents offer limited and questionable clinical benefits in lung cancer.
- Numerous clinical trials are investigating anti-angiogenic strategies in lung cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Phase II trial data for novel anti-angiogenic molecules in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To discuss repurposed and combination therapies involving older anti-angiogenic drugs.
- To clarify the clinical utility and challenges of anti-angiogenic agents in lung cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Phase II clinical trial data for NSCLC patients.
- Review of studies on innovative and repurposed anti-angiogenic molecules.
- Evaluation of anti-angiogenic drugs in various treatment contexts and combinations.
Main Results:
- Data from Phase II trials on novel anti-angiogenic molecules in NSCLC were highlighted.
- Older anti-angiogenic drugs in new contexts and combinations were discussed.
- The review synthesizes current evidence on anti-angiogenic therapies in lung cancer.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis is a complex, non-ideal target for drug development in cancer.
- Anti-angiogenic agent development requires different strategies than traditional targeted therapies.
- Developing and validating anti-angiogenic agents remains a significant challenge in cancer research.
