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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
06:54
MR Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with a Small Molecular CLT1 Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent
Published on: September 3, 2013
11.7K
Targeting Angiogenesis in Prostate Cancer.
Zsombor Melegh1, Sebastian Oltean2
1Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK. zsombor.melegh@nbt.nhs.uk.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 2, 2019
Summary
Anti-angiogenic therapies show promise in early prostate cancer but fail in advanced stages. Further research into angiogenesis mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cancer diagnosis in men.
- Localized prostate cancer has effective treatments, but advanced castration-resistant forms have a poor prognosis.
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, plays a role in tumor growth and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of angiogenesis in prostate cancer.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic therapies in prostate cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- A literature search of randomized clinical trials was conducted using PubMed.
- Six trials were included: two Phase II (localized/hormone-sensitive) and four Phase III (castration-resistant).
- Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and microvessel density were assessed as markers.
Main Results:
- Phase II trials indicated improved relapse-free survival and disease stabilization.
- Phase III trials in castration-resistant disease showed increased toxicity without significant overall survival benefit.
- Angiogenic markers correlated with tumor grade, metastasis, and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis is important in prostate cancer, but anti-angiogenic therapies have yielded disappointing results in castration-resistant disease.
- Potential reasons for limited efficacy include pathway redundancy, tumor heterogeneity, and VEGF-A isoforms.
- A deeper understanding of angiogenesis molecular mechanisms is needed for improved therapeutic strategies.
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