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Updated: Jun 24, 2025

A Novel High-resolution In vivo Imaging Technique to Study the Dynamic Response of Intracranial Structures to Tumor Growth and Therapeutics
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Adaptive resistance of tumor cells to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy: A reversible phenomenon

Zhiyong Wang1, Min Wang2, Jinjin Guo1

  • 1Department of Immunology, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China.

Cytokine
|June 9, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Tumor cells can develop temporary resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, independent of angiogenesis. This acquired resistance highlights tumor cells as potential targets in VEGF inhibition strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition is a key targeted therapy for cancers.
  • Drug resistance significantly limits the effectiveness of VEGF inhibitors.
  • Compensatory angiogenesis is the traditionally accepted mechanism of resistance to VEGF therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alternative mechanisms of drug resistance in VEGF-targeted cancer therapy.
  • To determine if tumor cells themselves can develop acquired resistance to VEGF inhibition.
  • To characterize the nature and duration of any observed tumor cell resistance.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro exposure of tumor cells to VEGF inhibitors.
  • Assessment of tumor cell response and resistance development.
  • Evaluation of resistance reversibility after drug withdrawal.

Main Results:

  • Tumor cells demonstrated acquired resistance to VEGF therapy, independent of angiogenesis.
  • This resistance was temporary, resolving within four days of discontinuing the drug.
  • Tumor cells were identified as potential direct targets of VEGF inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor cells can develop an independent, transient resistance mechanism to VEGF inhibitors.
  • VEGF inhibition may directly target tumor cells, not solely endothelial cells.
  • Understanding tumor cell response is crucial for overcoming resistance in VEGF-targeted therapies.
Keywords:
Acquired resistanceBevacizumabTumor cell viabilityVascular endothelial growth factor

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