Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Rat Mesentery Angiogenesis Assay
Published on: June 18, 2011
Angiogenesis and Anti-Angiogenic Therapy in Gastric Cancer
Henrik Nienhüser1, Thomas Schmidt2
1Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Henrik.Nienhueser@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
Abstract:
Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Despite improvements in diagnosis and therapy, the overall prognosis remains poor. In the last decade, several anti-angiogenic drugs for cancer treatment have been approved and lately also introduced to gastric cancer treatment. While the initial trials focused only on unresectable or metastatic cancer, anti-angiogenic treatment is now also investigated in the perioperative and neoadjuvant setting. In this review, an overview of the role of angiogenesis and angiogenic factors in gastric cancer as well as anti-angiogenic treatment of gastric cancer is provided. Findings from in vitro and animal studies are summarized and put in a context with translational data on angiogenesis in gastric cancer. The most important angiogenic factors and their effect in gastric cancer are highlighted and clinical trials including anti-angiogenic drugs are discussed. Finally, an outlook of biomarkers for predicting response to anti-angiogenic treatment is presented, the ongoing trials on this topic are discussed and current challenges of anti-angiogenic therapy are outlined.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic drugs show promise in treating gastric cancer, expanding from metastatic to perioperative settings. Research highlights key factors and biomarkers for predicting treatment response, addressing current challenges in gastric cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with poor prognosis despite diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, plays a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis.
- Anti-angiogenic therapies have emerged as a significant treatment modality in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of angiogenesis and angiogenic factors in gastric cancer.
- To review the current landscape of anti-angiogenic treatment strategies for gastric cancer.
- To discuss the translational data, clinical trials, and future directions in this field.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of in vitro and animal studies on angiogenesis in gastric cancer.
- Analysis of translational data linking angiogenesis to clinical outcomes.
- Discussion of published and ongoing clinical trials involving anti-angiogenic drugs in gastric cancer.
Main Results:
- Key angiogenic factors and their specific roles in gastric cancer progression are identified.
- Clinical trial data demonstrate the efficacy and evolving application of anti-angiogenic drugs, including in neoadjuvant and perioperative settings.
- Biomarkers for predicting treatment response are being investigated to personalize therapy.
Conclusions:
- Anti-angiogenic therapy represents a promising approach for gastric cancer treatment, with expanding applications beyond metastatic disease.
- Understanding the role of specific angiogenic factors and identifying predictive biomarkers are crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy.
- Further research and clinical trials are needed to overcome current challenges and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
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...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:10Mechanism of Angiogenesis
01:16Gastric Motility
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
01:16Gastric Emptying
01:26Gastric Phase of Digestion
When food enters the stomach, it stretches the stomach walls and activates stretch receptors. This triggers local reflexes of the enteric nervous system, mediated through the myenteric plexus. These...