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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Latest Results for Anti-Angiogenic Drugs in Cancer Treatment
Sofie Frandsen, Sascha Kopp, Markus Wehland
1Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Background:
Angiogenesis is a mechanism, which tumors use to recruit oxygen and nutrients in order to maintain growth. The vascular endothelial growth factor family is the primary mediator of this process. For the last couple of decades, inhibition of angiogenesis has been the subject of extensive research, but so far anti-angiogenic drugs have only shown a modest effect.
Methods:
This paper reviews four relevant anti-angiogenic drugs: bevacizumab, ramucirumab, nintedanib and sunitinib. The primary focus will be recent trials investigating the effects of the drugs in lung, breast and gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, there will be a discussion of unsolved problems, such as lack of biomarkers, drug resistance, and adverse events, for which a solution is necessary in order to improve the benefit of anti-angiogenic drugs in the future.
Results:
Anti-angiogenic therapy is extensively used in the treatment of cancer. There is evidence that drug-induced hypertension serves as a biomarker for a good response to therapy. Currently several possible anti-angiogenic biomarkers are under discussion. Further examples are changes in VEGF or interleukin (IL)-8 polymorphisms, changed plasma levels of VEGF, or tumor microvessel density. To overcome therapyassociated problems, more research for valid biomarkers is necessary. In addition, a strategy to overcome resistance problems and severe adverse events is desirable.
Conclusion:
Clinical trials evaluating targeted therapies with specificity for resistance mechanisms are necessary. Moreover, biomarker studies in future clinical investigations are important for the development of the next generation of anti-angiogenic drugs.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic drugs show modest effects in cancer treatment. Identifying reliable biomarkers and overcoming drug resistance are crucial for improving therapeutic benefits and developing next-generation treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is vital for tumor growth by supplying oxygen and nutrients.
- Despite decades of research, anti-angiogenic drugs have demonstrated only moderate clinical efficacy.
- Tumor angiogenesis remains a key target for cancer therapy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current anti-angiogenic drugs and their application in lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers.
- To discuss challenges including biomarker identification, drug resistance, and adverse events associated with anti-angiogenic therapy.
- To highlight the need for improved strategies to enhance the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic drugs.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials involving bevacizumab, ramucirumab, nintedanib, and sunitinib.
- Analysis of therapeutic effects in lung, breast, and gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Discussion of unsolved problems and potential solutions in anti-angiogenic therapy.
Main Results:
- Drug-induced hypertension may serve as a predictive biomarker for treatment response.
- Potential biomarkers under investigation include VEGF and IL-8 polymorphisms, plasma VEGF levels, and tumor microvessel density.
- Addressing therapy-associated challenges requires further research into valid biomarkers and resistance mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Clinical trials targeting resistance mechanisms are essential for advancing anti-angiogenic therapies.
- Biomarker studies are critical for the development of next-generation anti-angiogenic drugs.
- Overcoming resistance and managing adverse events are key to improving patient outcomes.
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