Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1
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Evaluating the Angiogenetic Properties of Ovarian Cancer Stem-Like Cells using the Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System, NICO-1

Published on: December 5, 2020

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The VEGF/VEGFR2 system in ovarian cancer: From functional to pharmacological significance

Elisabetta Grillo1, Chiara Romani2, Victoria M Ettorre3

  • 1Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, 25123 Brescia, Italy.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|June 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is crucial in ovarian cancer (OC) progression. Targeting this receptor impacts not only blood vessel growth but also cancer cells, offering new therapeutic strategies for OC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is a key tyrosine kinase receptor involved in embryonic development, angiogenesis, and cancer.
  • VEGFR2 signaling is implicated in the progression of ovarian cancer (OC), a significant global health concern.
  • Current therapies targeting the VEGF/VEGFR2 axis, initially developed as anti-angiogenics, also impact tumor cells, immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the specific role of the VEGF/VEGFR2 axis within ovarian cancer cells.
  • To discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting VEGFR2 from the perspective of its action on cancer cells.
  • To highlight insights from preclinical and clinical studies for improved ovarian cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on the VEGF/VEGFR2 axis in ovarian cancer.
  • Analysis of the molecular landscape modulated by VEGF/VEGFR2 in both tumor and stromal compartments.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of VEGFR2's function and pharmacological targeting in OC.

Main Results:

  • The VEGF/VEGFR2 axis plays a complex role in ovarian cancer progression, affecting multiple cellular components.
  • Anti-VEGF/VEGFR2 drugs demonstrate effects beyond anti-angiogenesis, influencing ovarian cancer cells directly.
  • Resistance and suboptimal responses to current anti-VEGF/VEGFR2 therapies highlight the need for a deeper understanding of pathway dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the VEGF/VEGFR2 axis holds significant therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer, extending beyond its anti-angiogenic effects.
  • Understanding the comprehensive impact of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling on ovarian cancer cells is crucial for optimizing therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of VEGFR2 inhibition is essential for enhancing the efficacy and safety of ovarian cancer treatments.
Keywords:
HGSOCOvarian cancerTKiVEGFVEGFR2

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