Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in breast cancer: Molecular pathway, potential targets, and current treatment strategies

Cancer Lett. 2021 Nov 1:520:422-433. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.005. Epub 2021 Aug 10.

Abstract

As the highest incidence of female malignancy, breast cancer is likewise the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The development of cancer relies on neo-vascularization, which provides sufficient nutrition and oxygen, and supplies a pathway for distant metastasis. Angiogenesis represents the formation of new blood vessels, and is a principal pathogenetic action in breast cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major angiogenesis regulator that modulates the maintenance and function of mature vascular networks. Therefore, the VEGF pathway is a promising oncotherapeutic target. This review elaborates an update on the prognostic value of VEGF in breast cancer, summarizes clinical experience and lessons of anti-VEGF therapeutics, meanwhile, provides an overview of biomarkers that predict the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic treatment.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Anti-VEGF therapy; Bevacizumab; Breast cancer; Vascular endothelial growth factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab