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Angiogenesis inhibitors as therapeutic agents in cancer: Challenges and future directions
Zhexuan Lin1, Quanwei Zhang1, Wenhong Luo1
1The Key Lab of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis has become an attractive target for cancer therapy since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first angiogenesis inhibitor (bevacizumab) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in 2004. In following years, a large number of angiogenesis inhibitors have been discovered and developed, ranging from monoclonal antibodies, endogenous peptides, to small organic molecules and microRNAs. Many of them are now entering the clinical trial, or achieving approval for clinical use. However, major limitations have been observed about angiogenesis inhibitors by continued clinical investigations, such as resistance, enhancing tumor hypoxia and reducing delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, which might be the main reason for poor improvement in overall survival after angiogenesis inhibitor administration in clinic. Therefore, optimal anti-angiogenic therapy strategies become critical. The present review summarizes recent researches in angiogenesis inhibitors, and proposes a perspective on future directions in this field.
Insights
Angiogenesis inhibitors are crucial in cancer therapy but face limitations like resistance. New strategies are needed to improve patient survival and overcome these challenges in anti-angiogenic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a key target in cancer therapy.
- The FDA approved the first angiogenesis inhibitor, bevacizumab, in 2004, leading to diverse drug development.
- Despite progress, limitations like resistance and reduced drug delivery hinder survival benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer treatment.
- To discuss the limitations and challenges associated with current anti-angiogenic therapies.
- To propose future research directions for optimizing anti-angiogenic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on angiogenesis inhibitors.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and outcomes.
- Synthesis of findings to identify trends and challenges.
Main Results:
- A wide array of angiogenesis inhibitors (monoclonal antibodies, peptides, small molecules, microRNAs) have been developed.
- Clinical investigations reveal significant limitations including drug resistance and impaired chemotherapy delivery.
- Current angiogenesis inhibitors show limited improvement in overall patient survival.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing anti-angiogenic therapy strategies is critical for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
- Addressing resistance and enhancing drug delivery are key areas for future research.
- Further investigation into novel angiogenesis inhibitors and combination therapies is warranted.
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