Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
Anti-angiogenic Therapy in Cancer: Downsides and New Pivots for Precision Medicine
Gabriella Lupo1, Nunzia Caporarello1, Melania Olivieri1
1Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
Primary solid tumors originate close to pre-existing tissue vasculature, initially growing along such tissue blood vessels, and this phenomenon is important for the metastatic potential which frequently occurs in highly vascularized tissues. Unfortunately, preclinic and clinic anti-angiogenic approaches have not been very successful, and multiple factors have been found to contribute to toxicity and tumor resistance. Moreover, tumors can highlight intrinsic or acquired resistances, or show adaptation to the VEGF-targeted therapies. Furthermore, different mechanisms of vascularization, activation of alternative signaling pathways, and increased tumor aggressiveness make this context even more complex. On the other hand, it has to be considered that the transitional restoration of normal, not fenestrated, microvessels allows the drug to reach the tumor and act with the maximum efficiency. However, these effects are time-limited and different, depending on the various types of cancer, and clearly define a specific "normalization window." So, new horizons in the therapeutic approaches consist on the treatment of the tumor with pro- (instead of anti-) angiogenic therapies, which could strengthen a network of well-structured blood vessels that facilitate the transport of the drug.
Insights
New cancer therapies may use pro-angiogenic treatments to normalize tumor blood vessels. This strategy aims to improve drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy, overcoming resistance to anti-angiogenic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Primary solid tumors grow along existing vasculature, influencing metastatic potential.
- Conventional anti-angiogenic therapies show limited success due to tumor resistance, toxicity, and complex vascularization mechanisms.
- Tumor adaptation to therapies like VEGF-targeted treatments further complicates treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for enhancing drug delivery in solid tumors.
- To investigate the potential of pro-angiogenic therapies as an alternative to anti-angiogenic approaches.
- To identify optimal therapeutic windows for maximizing drug efficacy through vascular normalization.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinic and clinic anti-angiogenic approaches.
- Analysis of tumor resistance mechanisms and adaptation to VEGF-targeted therapies.
- Evaluation of vascular normalization windows and their impact on drug delivery.
Main Results:
- Anti-angiogenic therapies have faced challenges with toxicity and tumor resistance.
- Tumors exhibit intrinsic or acquired resistance, and adapt to VEGF-targeted treatments.
- A transient "normalization window" of microvessels can improve drug delivery, but is time-limited and cancer-type dependent.
Conclusions:
- Pro-angiogenic therapies offer a promising new horizon by strengthening blood vessel networks for improved drug transport.
- Normalizing tumor vasculature through pro-angiogenic strategies could enhance the efficiency of cancer treatments.
- Understanding and exploiting the "normalization window" is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes in oncology.
More Related Videos
08:19Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
Published on: July 20, 2019
09:03Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
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...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:18Cancer
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...