VEGF/VEGFR-Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with low 5-year survival rates despite therapeutic advancements.
• The NSCLC tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex milieu of cellular and vascular components crucial for cancer progression.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) play a dual role in NSCLC, promoting angiogenesis and modulating immune responses within the TME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the angiogenic and non-angiogenic functions of VEGF in NSCLC.
• To explore the intricate interactions between VEGF and the cellular components of the NSCLC TME.
• To discuss novel therapeutic strategies targeting the VEGF/VEGFR pathway and immunotherapy for NSCLC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of the role of VEGF in tumor angiogenesis and immune modulation.
• Examination of VEGF/VEGFR-targeted therapies and immunotherapies in NSCLC.

Main Results:

• VEGF is a key driver of tumor angiogenesis and is linked to NSCLC progression, recurrence, and metastasis.
• VEGF exhibits immunomodulatory functions, suppressing antigen presentation and promoting regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages, thereby creating an immunosuppressive TME.
• Current anti-VEGF/VEGFR therapies demonstrate efficacy in NSCLC treatment.

Conclusions:

• Understanding VEGF's dual role in angiogenesis and immune suppression is critical for NSCLC treatment.
• Targeting the VEGF/VEGFR pathway, in combination with immunotherapy, presents a promising avenue for novel NSCLC therapies.
• Further research into VEGF's interaction with the TME can lead to improved treatment strategies for NSCLC patients.