Antiangiogenic therapy of brain tumors: the role of bevacizumab

Neurol Sci. 2014 Apr;35(4):507-14. doi: 10.1007/s10072-014-1627-6. Epub 2014 Jan 18.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer, including brain tumors. Malignant gliomas have the highest degree of vascular proliferation among solid tumors; thus, angiogenic pathways represent an attractive target to interfere with tumor growth. Up to date VEGF pathway targeting with specific drugs has yielded interesting therapeutics results. In particular bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against VEGF-A, has shown clinical activity in malignant gliomas, especially glioblastomas, in terms of a high response rate on MRI and a significant increase in progression-free survival.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / immunology

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Bevacizumab