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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Clinical pharmacology of anti-angiogenic drugs in oncology
P Gougis1, J Wassermann2, J P Spano3
1INSERM, CIC-1421 and UMR ICAN 1166, F-75013 Paris, France; AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Pharmacology and CIC-1421, F-75013 Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Faculty of Medicine, F-75013 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), F-75013 Paris, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, University Pierre and Marie Curie (Paris VI), Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie, AP-HP, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Abnormal vasculature proliferation is one of the so-called hallmarks of cancer. Angiogenesis inhibitor therapies are one of the major breakthroughs in cancer treatment in the last two decades. Two types of anti-angiogenics have been approved: monoclonal antibodies and derivatives, which are injected and target the extracellular part of a receptor, and protein kinase inhibitors, which are orally taken small molecules targeting the intra-cellular Adenosine Triphosphate -pocket of different kinases. They have become an important part of some tumors' treatment, both in monotherapy or in combination. In this review, we discuss the key pharmacological concepts and the major pitfalls of anti-angiogenic prescriptions. We also review the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profile of all approved anti-angiogenic protein kinase inhibitors and the potential role of surrogate markers and of therapeutic drug monitoring.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and oral protein kinase inhibitors, are crucial cancer treatments. This review covers their pharmacology, pitfalls, and the role of drug monitoring in optimizing patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Abnormal vasculature proliferation, a hallmark of cancer, is targeted by anti-angiogenic therapies.
- Approved anti-angiogenics include injected monoclonal antibodies and oral protein kinase inhibitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key pharmacological concepts of anti-angiogenic therapies.
- To discuss pitfalls in anti-angiogenic prescription and treatment.
- To examine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of approved oral agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of approved anti-angiogenic therapies.
- Analysis of pharmacological concepts and clinical application.
- Evaluation of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data.
Main Results:
- Anti-angiogenics are vital in cancer monotherapy and combination treatments.
- Understanding drug interactions and patient-specific factors is critical.
- Therapeutic drug monitoring may enhance efficacy and safety.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenic therapies represent significant advancements in cancer care.
- Careful consideration of pharmacological principles and potential pitfalls is essential for effective use.
- Further research into surrogate markers and therapeutic drug monitoring is warranted.
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