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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
Ten years of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy
Napoleone Ferrara1, Anthony P Adamis2
1University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA.
Abstract:
The targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), a crucial regulator of both normal and pathological angiogenesis, has revealed innovative therapeutic approaches in oncology and ophthalmology. The first VEGFA inhibitor, bevacizumab, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, and the first VEGFA inhibitors in ophthalmology, pegaptanib and ranibizumab, were approved in 2004 and 2006, respectively. To mark this tenth anniversary of anti-VEGFA therapy, we discuss the discovery of VEGFA, the successes and challenges in the development of VEGFA inhibitors and the impact of these agents on the treatment of cancers and ophthalmic diseases.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) inhibitors have revolutionized cancer and eye disease treatments. This review covers VEGFA
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is vital for angiogenesis in normal and pathological processes.
- Targeting VEGFA has led to significant therapeutic advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To commemorate the 10th anniversary of anti-VEGFA therapy.
- To review the discovery of VEGFA.
- To discuss the development, successes, and challenges of VEGFA inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of VEGFA discovery and inhibitor development.
- Analysis of therapeutic applications in oncology and ophthalmology.
- Discussion of clinical successes and challenges.
Main Results:
- The first VEGFA inhibitor, bevacizumab, was approved in 2004 for metastatic colorectal cancer.
- Ophthalmic VEGFA inhibitors (pegaptanib, ranibizumab) were approved in 2004 and 2006.
- VEGFA inhibitors have impacted cancer and ophthalmic disease treatment.
Conclusions:
- Anti-VEGFA therapy represents a decade of innovation in treating cancers and eye diseases.
- Continued research is essential to overcome challenges and expand therapeutic benefits.
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