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Published on: November 23, 2014
The Role of Angiogenesis in Cancer Treatment
Mehdi Rajabi1, Shaker A Mousa2
1Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA. mehdi.rajabi@acphs.edu.
Abstract:
A number of anti-angiogenesis drugs have been FDA-approved and are being used in cancer treatment, and a number of other agents are in different stages of clinical development or in preclinical evaluation. However, pharmacologic anti-angiogenesis strategies that arrest tumor progression might not be enough to eradicate tumors. Decreased anti-angiogenesis activity in single mechanism-based anti-angiogenic strategies is due to the redundancy, multiplicity, and development of compensatory mechanism by which blood vessels are remodeled. Improving anti-angiogenesis drug efficacy will require identification of broad-spectrum anti-angiogenesis targets. These strategies may have novel features, such as increased porosity, and are the result of complex interactions among endothelial cells, extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, pericyte, and smooth muscle cells. Thus, combinations of anti-angiogenic drugs and other anticancer strategies such as chemotherapy appear essential for optimal outcome in cancer patients. This review will focus on the role of anti-angiogenesis strategies in cancer treatment.
Insights
Anti-angiogenesis drugs show promise in cancer treatment but may not eradicate tumors alone. Combining these therapies with other anticancer strategies is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Anti-angiogenesis drugs are FDA-approved for cancer treatment, with others in development.
- Single-agent anti-angiogenesis strategies may be insufficient due to tumor adaptive mechanisms.
- Tumor vascularization involves complex interactions requiring broad-spectrum targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of anti-angiogenesis strategies in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the limitations of current anti-angiogenesis approaches.
- To emphasize the need for combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anti-angiogenesis drugs and cancer treatment strategies.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis and drug resistance.
- Discussion of novel anti-angiogenesis targets and combination approaches.
Main Results:
- Pharmacologic anti-angiogenesis can arrest tumor progression but may not eradicate tumors.
- Tumor blood vessel remodeling involves compensatory mechanisms, reducing single-agent efficacy.
- Combination of anti-angiogenic drugs with chemotherapy is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenesis therapy is a valuable tool in cancer treatment.
- Overcoming resistance requires targeting multiple pathways and broad-spectrum agents.
- Combination strategies are essential for improving efficacy and achieving tumor eradication.
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