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A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
VEGF Receptor Inhibitor-Induced Hypertension: Emerging Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Nicholas Camarda1, Richard Travers1,2, Vicky K Yang3
1Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Box 80, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
While vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRis) have dramatically improved cancer survival, these drugs cause hypertension in a majority of patients. This side effect is often dose limiting and increases cardiovascular mortality in cancer survivors. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and clinical findings that impact management of VEGFRi-induced hypertension.
Recent Findings:
Recent studies define new connections between endothelial dysfunction and VEGFRi-induced hypertension, including the balance between nitric oxide, oxidative stress, endothelin signaling, and prostaglandins and the potential role of microparticles, vascular smooth muscle cells, vascular stiffness, and microvessel rarefaction. Data implicating genetic polymorphisms that might identify patients at risk for VEGFRi-induced hypertension and the growing body of literature associating VEGFRi-induced hypertension with antitumor efficacy are reviewed. These recent advances have implications for the future of cardio-oncology clinics and the management of VEGFRi-induced hypertension.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRis) improve cancer survival but cause hypertension. New research clarifies mechanisms and management strategies for this common side effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardio-oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRis) are vital cancer treatments.
- VEGFRis frequently induce hypertension, a dose-limiting side effect impacting patient survival and cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent molecular mechanisms and clinical findings in VEGFRi-induced hypertension.
- To inform the management of hypertension in cancer patients receiving VEGFRis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on VEGFRi-induced hypertension.
- Analysis of molecular pathways and clinical data.
Main Results:
- New insights into endothelial dysfunction, including nitric oxide, oxidative stress, endothelin, and prostaglandin balance.
- Exploration of microparticles, vascular smooth muscle cells, stiffness, and rarefaction in hypertension development.
- Identification of potential genetic risk factors and the link between VEGFRi-hypertension and antitumor efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing VEGFRi-induced hypertension.
- Advances impact the development of cardio-oncology services.
- Future management strategies will integrate these findings for improved patient outcomes.
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