Targeting angiogenesis in gastrointestinal tumors: current challenges

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant cause of cancer mortality despite standardized screening.
• Anti-angiogenic therapies have improved overall survival (OS) in advanced CRC patients for over a decade.
• Therapeutic resistance and lack of predictive biomarkers limit the long-term efficacy of anti-angiogenic treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental principles of angiogenesis in cancer.
• To discuss currently approved anti-angiogenic therapies for colorectal cancer.
• To explore challenges related to therapeutic resistance and the role of biomarkers in optimizing treatment selection.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of angiogenesis.
• Analysis of approved anti-angiogenic therapies for colorectal cancer.
• Discussion of resistance mechanisms and biomarker strategies.

Main Results:

• Anti-angiogenic therapy has extended survival in advanced CRC.
• Mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy are complex and not fully understood.
• Standardized predictive biomarkers are lacking for patient stratification.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy is a critical challenge in advanced CRC management.
• The development and standardization of predictive biomarkers are essential for personalized treatment approaches.
• Future strategies involving novel targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination treatments hold promise for improving outcomes.