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.
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