Aflibercept a new target therapy in cancer treatment: a review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is vital for solid tumor growth and metastasis.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis, making it a target for anti-cancer therapies.
• Antiangiogenic drugs aim to normalize tumor vasculature, potentially improving chemotherapy delivery and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of aflibercept on tumor vasculature and solid tumors.
• To explore the preclinical and clinical benefits of incorporating aflibercept into cancer treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies on aflibercept's antiangiogenic effects.
• Examination of clinical data regarding aflibercept's efficacy in various solid tumors.
• Analysis of aflibercept's mechanism of action, including its binding to VEGF family members.

Main Results:

• Aflibercept demonstrated preclinical efficacy across different tumor types.
• Aflibercept's antiangiogenic effects include regression, remodeling, and inhibition of new tumor vessel growth.
• The drug binds to VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF).

Conclusions:

• Aflibercept exhibits significant antiangiogenic properties by targeting multiple VEGF ligands.
• The drug shows promise in preclinical models for various solid tumors.
• Further investigation into aflibercept's role in combination cancer therapy is warranted to assess clinical benefits.