Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1
Published on: December 5, 2020
Angiogenesis: A Pivotal Therapeutic Target in the Drug Development of Gynecologic Cancers
Lawrence Kasherman1,2,3, Shiru Lucy Liu4, Katherine Karakasis5
1Department of Medical Oncology, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia.
Abstract:
Since the discovery of angiogenesis and its relevance to the tumorigenesis of gynecologic malignancies, a number of therapeutic agents have been developed over the last decade, some of which have become standard treatments in combination with other therapies. Limited clinical activity has been demonstrated with anti-angiogenic monotherapies, and ongoing trials are focused on combination strategies with cytotoxic agents, immunotherapies and other targeted treatments. This article reviews the science behind angiogenesis within the context of gynecologic cancers, the evidence supporting the targeting of these pathways and future directions in clinical trials.
Insights
Anti-angiogenic therapies are crucial for gynecologic cancers, but monotherapies show limited success. Combination strategies combining angiogenesis inhibitors with other treatments are the focus of ongoing research and clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is vital for tumor growth and metastasis in gynecologic cancers.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting angiogenesis have emerged as a significant area of research in treating these malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific basis of angiogenesis in gynecologic cancers.
- To evaluate the clinical evidence for anti-angiogenic therapies.
- To explore future directions for clinical trials involving these agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on angiogenesis in gynecologic cancers.
- Analysis of data from completed and ongoing clinical trials of anti-angiogenic agents.
- Synthesis of current understanding and future perspectives.
Main Results:
- Anti-angiogenic agents have been developed and some are used in combination therapies for gynecologic malignancies.
- Anti-angiogenic monotherapies have demonstrated limited clinical activity.
- Current research emphasizes combination strategies involving cytotoxic agents, immunotherapies, and other targeted treatments.
Conclusions:
- Targeting angiogenesis is a validated strategy in gynecologic oncology.
- Combination therapies hold greater promise than monotherapies for improving patient outcomes.
- Future clinical trials should focus on novel combinations to overcome resistance and enhance efficacy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Angiogenesis
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Cancer 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...

