Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Antiangiogenic therapy in oncology: current status and future directions
Gordon C Jayson1, Robert Kerbel2, Lee M Ellis3
1Institute of Cancer Sciences and Christie Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, has been validated as a target in several tumour types through randomised trials, incorporating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitors into the therapeutic armoury. Although some tumours such as renal cell carcinoma, ovarian and cervical cancers, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours are sensitive to these drugs, others such as prostate cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and melanoma are resistant. Even when drugs have yielded significant results, improvements in progression-free survival, and, in some cases, overall survival, are modest. Thus, a crucial issue in development of these drugs is the search for predictive biomarkers-tests that predict which patients will, and will not, benefit before initiation of therapy. Development of biomarkers is important because of the need to balance efficacy, toxicity, and cost. Novel combinations of these drugs with other antiangiogenics or other classes of drugs are being developed, and the appreciation that these drugs have immunomodulatory and other modes of action will lead to combination regimens that capitalise on these newly understood mechanisms.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitors show modest efficacy in some cancers. Developing predictive biomarkers is crucial for identifying patients who will benefit from these anti-angiogenesis therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a validated therapeutic target in multiple cancer types.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitors are established treatments, but efficacy varies significantly across tumor types.
- Current treatments offer modest improvements in progression-free and overall survival, necessitating further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for predictive biomarkers in anti-angiogenesis therapy.
- To discuss the challenges and importance of biomarker development for patient stratification.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies involving combination regimens.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized trials investigating VEGF pathway inhibitors.
- Analysis of differential tumor response to anti-angiogenesis drugs.
- Exploration of emerging combination therapies and drug mechanisms.
Main Results:
- VEGF inhibitors are effective in renal cell carcinoma, ovarian, cervical cancers, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Prostate cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and melanoma exhibit resistance to these agents.
- Modest survival benefits observed, underscoring the need for patient selection.
Conclusions:
- Predictive biomarkers are essential to optimize anti-angiogenesis therapy by balancing efficacy, toxicity, and cost.
- Understanding drug immunomodulatory and other mechanisms will drive novel combination strategies.
- Further research into predictive biomarkers and combination therapies is warranted for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
01:10Mechanism of Angiogenesis
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply