Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic development of angiogenesis inhibitors

Adv Cancer Res. 2008:100:113-31. doi: 10.1016/S0065-230X(08)00004-3.

Abstract

Bevacizumab (Avastin), a vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist, is the first approved antiangiogenic drug for the treatment of human cancers. Endostatin, a broad-spectrum endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, has recently been approved in China for cancer therapy. Today, hundreds of antiangiogenic molecules targeting different signaling pathways are being tested for their anticancer efficacies at preclinical and clinical stages. The underlying mechanisms by which these antiangiogenic cancer drugs used in combination with chemotherapy confer survival advantages for cancer patients are not fully understood. Thus, deeper understanding the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis and actions of these therapeutic molecules is crucial for designing more potent anticancer drugs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / metabolism
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / chemical synthesis*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Drug Design
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / physiology
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics*
  • Patient Selection

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents