Synergistic therapeutic strategies and engineered nanoparticles for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

Asmaa F Khafaga1, Mohamed M S Gaballa2, Reham Karam3

  • 1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt.

Life Sciences
|February 11, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Antiangiogenic therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) show promise in cancer treatment but face challenges. Novel synergistic strategies combining these with nanomedicine offer improved tumor targeting and overcoming drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Angiogenesis, driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a hallmark of cancer.
  • Antiangiogenic therapies are increasingly used in cancer treatment but can lead to resistance and poor outcomes.
  • Refining combination strategies and targeted treatments are crucial for improving efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel synergistic therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
  • To explore the potential of nanomedicine in antiangiogenic therapy.
  • To address limitations of current antiangiogenic approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on antiangiogenic therapies, combination strategies, nanomedicine, and gene therapy.
  • Analysis of nanoparticle capabilities in drug delivery and overcoming resistance.
  • Focus on synergistic therapeutic approaches targeting angiogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Antiangiogenic therapy faces challenges including resistance, invasion, and limited survival.
  • Nanoparticles offer potential solutions for selectivity, targeted delivery, and overcoming multi-drug resistance.
  • Synergistic strategies combining antiangiogenic agents with cytotoxic treatments show promise.

Conclusions:

  • Novel synergistic therapeutic strategies, particularly those integrating nanomedicine, present a promising alternative for cancer treatment.
  • Targeted nanoparticles can enhance the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy by improving drug delivery and overcoming resistance.
  • Further research into these advanced strategies is essential for developing more effective cancer treatments.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.6K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
4.9K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
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...
7.7K